Busy Lizzie

The sound of crickets....

2011-01-28T08:37:00.002+13:00

is often what you hear on tv progrommes when nothing is happening, so I apologise if you are deaf from them by now. I have not posted here for months. Ahem over 6 months actually, and because I thought I was so clever I started the Gluten Free blog, and havent done anything on that either.

So much has been going on. I have been getting to grips with all this Coeliac thing, and yes its going okay, but it was all consuming for a good while there. I have been badly glutened once, and I can tell you I don't want that happening again!

I have also decided this year that instead of being insipid and waiting for something to come to me, then I would make it happen. So I have started a little photography business. Mr Busy bought me a new camera last year, and to say my kids are over having their portraits done is probably an understatement. Am I good enough? Don't know but Im going to find out! So with Senior Busy son moving out, I have moved my studio into his room downstairs.

I have decided that its too much "not" running two blogs so I am going to wind this one up, and before the other one even got off the ground, put that one to bed too. I will leave them up for now, but I need to seriously concentrate on what I really want to do. I know I dont have a following of thousands, but I have "met" some really lovely bloggy friends, who have now become facebook friends, and who one day I would love to meet in person! And I would really love to say thanks to those of you who have followed this funny old little blog, and left me such kind and encouraging comments. I will be setting up a new one and a website for my photography business, and when that is up and running I will let you all know. Please pop by and have a gander.

But for now its goodbye from Busy Lizzie and all her Busy family..... xxxxxxx

Just venting....

2010-07-23T11:28:00.000+12:00

To Whom it may Concern

I was issued a parking ticket in Howick on 21/07/2010.

At the time I was maxing out my husbands credit card at Sirroco Hair Salon, which is adjacent to the parking lot.

I was unable to move my car. I mean really unable to.

For the pleasure of supporting local businesses, I dont know if you are aware of the anxiety and worry that getting a parking ticket in Howick causes to the locals. There are so many of us trying to cover up our greys now that it's a six week wait at best to get a decent colourist. I fall into the catergory of having to colour my hair. Let me explain the imprisonment process.

This procedure requires the humiliation of having to cover your head in lots and lots of squares of tin foil (which incidentaly takes the best part of five Woman's weekly's and a Next magazine cover to cover to try and read, and also renders one partially sighted for the duration). I was unable to escape the confines of the foils let alone the salon to move my car.

After the foils are removed you have to suffer the indignity of wet hair dripping down your neck, while the sylists weilds very sharp scizzors so close to your ears that you don't dare breath, never mind mention that you might like to catch pnemonia and the indignation of half cut hair, so you can dash, like the Schwarzkopfed caped crusader to the car park to move your car 2 spots over.

My appointment was at 10 oclock, and I try to time it as close to the appointment time as is possible to avoid eating into my "Parking Allowance". My parking fine was issued at 12.36 and I got back to my car at around 1.00, so could you please explain to me how in future I will be able to avoid getting a parking fine?

I wait in anticipation for your reply.

Yours sincerely

Because one Blog isn't busy enough

2010-06-27T12:03:00.003+12:00

and really its not like I keep up with this one, I have also started another blog. What with my new diagnosis, I don't want this one to become all about "ME" and my gluten free self! So I have started another one that deals with GF stuff. I mean if your interested take a gander, and if not, then do hang around here, I will still be lurking about waiting to bore you witless as soon as you appear!

So if you want to check it out, its called Gluten Free - Good Food.

And when I am not on either of these blogs you will find me in the kitchen decontaminating, and trying to work miracles with Potato Starch!

Bloggy etiquette

2010-06-25T11:54:00.002+12:00

What is one to do? I now have comment moderation on my blog. Of course I get so many comments that they all need to be fielded (yeah right) and anyway its a family show and you can't be too careful these days!
Anyway I am getting comments on my posts but some are in Japanese I think it is. I can't read them, so have no idea what they are saying or who this person is. Well Iv'e been rejecting them but don't know whether to feel bad about it or not, because they could be a really nice person, but then again they could be trying to sell me a time share in Outer Mongolia in the off season or something. So if you are nice I apologise, (do you think you could translate your comments?) and if you are trying to sell me a time share, don't bother. I don't have any time to spare! I'm far too busy!

The invasion....

2010-06-16T11:43:00.008+12:00

There is an invasion of sorts going on in our pantry.
Family meetings are being called.
Signs are being posted.
Yes folks yesterday I was diagnosed with Celiacs disease. Which means things are a changin in the kitchen....
The Dymo will be getting another run out to do some more labels. They'll read something like this...

GLUTEN FREE FLOURS

and

GLUTEN FREE - DO NOT TOUCH!

with a few

MUM'S STUFF (GF)

and not forgetting that old chestnut....

KEEP YER GRUBBY MITTS OFF!

Well! Have you seen how expensive that stuff is?!!

The neglected Blog......

2010-06-05T07:14:00.009+12:00

Yes I know its been a bit quiet around this blog for quite a while, and although I have been doing some crafty stuff it's been things for the kids new school. The reason why I have been doing a bit of sewing for the school is because I think I am that parent. You know the one... That says to the teacher,

"If you need anything doing, I can sew a bit."

Its at this stage that the teacher gets a glint in her eye, but ever so casually says, "oooh lovely, we might need you later on..."

Later on comes and so Easter is not far away and then teacher pulls you aside and says,

"you couldn't make a costume for the Easter Liturgy could you?"

So one Jesus costume turns into two guards, a Mary, and a Pontius Pilate, and an angel!

And then the Official School opening is about the happen, and being a Kiwi school, there is a bit of Maori culture involved, and the school don't have any Kapa Haka outfits. It is about then that I start to have a bit of a nervous breakdown. Anyway I did manage 43 headbands, and dresses for the two main girls and a piu piu (sort of like a skirt thing for non Kiwi's) for the main boy.

Chuck some pillows in there somewhere for a couple of the classes, plus the ridiculous amount of after school activities, and organising a big "0" party for my sister, and there is my reason for not blogging.

In other words its been business as usual around here. Crazy mad, and very BUSY!

What follows is a short visual interlude.....

Junior Busy as the Angel Gabrielle

Mary

Junior Busy son as mean guard placing the crown of thorns (twigs wired together from our tree out the front) on Jesus' head.

Jesus

Pontius Pilate

Kapa Haka headbands waiting to be trimmed.

Piu Piu (for non Kiwi's pronounced Pew Pew)

Piu Piu with sash.

Kapa Haka dresses.

Hopefully it won't be so long before my next update, but in reality I have a few mums to round up, so we can get 40 more Kapa Haka costumes made for a cultural festival. I haven't forgotten you. I'm just .... well ... Busy...

Anchor's away...!!!

2010-03-09T12:49:00.004+13:00

I bet you thought I was going to tell you I was off on the Queen Mary or something didn't you? Well I'm referring to these delightful little carrot muffins, that really only have one use. Chuck a bit of rope on the end of them, and throw them off your boat. You'll be moored in the harbour as long as you want! I forgot we had to take a plate to the PTA meeting tonight, so thought I could whip these up. I might try and fob them off to the family, but they will probably end up weighing down the compost bin at the end of the day.

And to add insult to injury I burnt my Bubble Log!!

What follows is a summary of why:
I have been awake since about 2.30am. So instead of trying to force myself to sleep I got up and watched the Living Channel. I fancied the cup cakes they were making on Nestle, New Zealands hottest home baker, and got a bit inspired.
Im going to plead insanity at the PTA meeting tonight, and who knows, it might get me off manning the cake stall!!

Little baby bunting....

2010-03-06T15:33:00.004+13:00

I have a little thing about bunting so I made this for our new niece. Now I just need to get it in the post before she turns 21!!!

Hubble Bubble Toil and Trouble...

2010-03-03T17:09:00.007+13:00

I make Bubble log for the kids, to chuck in their lunch boxes, because
A: its really quick and easy to make,
and
B: I made this pledge when I gave up work a couple of years ago, that if I didn't bake then I was not allowed to purchase shop bought school snacks.

Okay so I have folded a couple of times (a couple?!!) and broken my pledge, but sometimes you just have to take care of your sanity, and not beat yourself up about it all.
Anyway I thought I should whip up some more bubble log, after I resisted taking the easy option at my supermarket foray today. So I'm all geared up and find there are only a couple of miserable rice bubbles skulking around the bottom of the cereal container. Great!
But hang on look there's that Hubbards Muesli I bought on special that everyone raved about for 3 minutes and then pushed to the back of the pantry till the weevils took hold *(Please see footnote)
So what did I do? I chucked the Muesli in instead of the Rice Bubbles.
I'm so lovin it that I had to immediately make a cup of coffee, and eat those small miserable pieces that you get at the side. (Ah actually not so small and not so miserable, but I hate sounding like a greedy pig!)

If you want the recipe it's in the Edmonds book for all you Kiwi "chefs" or as follows:

125 gms butter
2 tablespoons of honey
1 cup of brown sugar. (You can use white sugar, but add a little bit of vanilla essence)

Boil this mixture for 3 minutes once it has all melted.
Take off the heat, and add 4 cups of Muelsi (original recipe is with Rice Bubbles)
Press into a tin, cut while warm and let cool.
(I keep mine in the fridge in this warm weather)

*Please note: No Weevils were harmed in the making of this product*

A brand new year, and brand new school

2010-02-05T16:04:00.006+13:00

We hummed and haa-d a bit last year about moving the kids to the brand new school that opened today, but after their reactions this arvo, I think we have definately done the right thing! And as Foundation Students, I saw two really motivated kids at the end of the school day today, and even though it's only the first day... well, start as you mean to go on is my motto!

Top Two

2010-02-03T10:31:00.003+13:00

Because I liked the first one so much, I thought another would be in order. This was the fabric that I wanted to make the wrap around skirt in actually, but I didn't have enough. I have showed this one with the button detail on the sleeve, which brings them in a bit, so I don't look like a reject from the Flying Nun. (You might need to be very old like me to remember this series starring Sally Field!) I used this really cute red and white ribbon which I sewed in at the ends instead of tying. It sort of holds the gathers where you want them better

Bit of a scary shot of me. Please excuse Junior Busy's room. I have given up yelling at him to tidy it. He's back at school Friday, so I might get it half decent!!!

And to top it off...

2010-01-30T12:19:00.003+13:00

I made this yesterday so it would go with my white shorts. After wearing it I am going to put a little pleat in the sleeve, with a wee button on it, because they stick out a bit, and if a decent gust of wind gets up I wouldn't want to end up airborne!

You old bag, bag

2010-01-28T11:39:00.006+13:00

Lets face it if you can sew, in fact, even if you can't sew, anyone can make a bag bag, so I am ashamed to say I have been living with this for about a year and a half now.

I am constantly picking up rolled up grocery bags from around the pantry door, and then trying to strategically stuff them back into the bag without more falling out. God knows how much time I have wasted, when it takes me 10 minutes to make one of these.

And now for the nasty up close shot of it in all its gory!

And the new one in all its glory!

If anyone can shed light on my avoidance issues, I would love to hear them. Answers on the back of a postcard...

It's a wrap...

2010-01-27T15:56:00.004+13:00

I thought I might whip up this wrap around skirt today. So got out the old faithful pattern. I actually wanted to make it in another fabric but didn't quite have enough. That could have been a sign right there!
I have made this before and it's so easy and quite a nice cool skirt. Which is what I need in this weather because I'm starting to get a bit cranky to be honest. To start with I sleep badly anyway and it's hard enough trying to sleep in this heat, but add to that some noisy teenagers half way up the road, cranking out the beats, and shrieking like maniacs, which sets off the neighbours dog into a barking frenzy until 3am, and you may think I'm slightly mental to think of sewing anything in my fragile state.

I never remember which way to sew the bias binding. Skinny side to fabric first or thick side? So I always find myself here at Angry Chicken's great little tute. (I am embarrassed to admit, I should actually know these things. I did School C Sewing and Textiles for goodness sake!)
So you can imagine what emanated from the sewing room, when I still got it wrong, and then sewed the ties wrong way around, so it's a bit awkward to do up, and I sort of have to wear it left handed! By the time I realised my mistake there was no way I was going to unpick nearly 3 metres of bias binding.

I really could have put on another t/shirt for the photo shoot (I use that term very loosely) but honestly by this time I really don't care, and now I feel it looks a bit Nana-ish. I love the fabric, but not sure about it in this skirt. I seem to be really going for that aqua colour right now. But hey it will do for knocking around the house, and if all else fails, perhaps I could fashion it in to a rather fetching muzzle for the dog next door, or those wild party animals up the road!

My sewing is in the toilet right now....

2010-01-26T11:16:00.003+13:00

...and I mean literally!
It's not that Im not motivated - sort of - because I get all excited when I see other blogger's fantastic efforts. I have had a small thing in mind and its such a small thing that you think I would just whip it up and stop whinging about it. But I agonise over colour choice and can I be bothered to move my sewing machine over a couple of inches so I can use it. And what I want to make isn't even that important.
Excuses. And enough of them!
So I decided I had to end my sewing drought and get on with it. So I made this...

It took me minutes really, so I really don't know what all the procrastinating was all about?

It comes in very handy actually on several levels. We presently have this stainless steel loo roll holder which nobody really bothers to put the lid on, and is looking a bit dodgy now . Besides I don't actually like things like that on the floor, especially when some of the smaller male inhabitants tend to have "aim issues"! Also we have always had this plastic hook on the back of the door, which when the house was renovated the painters just sort of painted over, so it's now kind of really stuck there. And after someone somehow broke the door stopper off the skirting board I have a certain amount of angst over the door handle going through the wall. So its official title is "Toilet Roll Holder, come Door Stopper, come Something to Hang on That Annoying Hook on the Back of The Door Thing".

Nostalgia

2010-01-22T11:29:00.003+13:00

I was on Facebook and Joanna from Applique Today, put up some pictures of herself way back in the big hair days. It got me thinking and then rifling through the I-don't-know-how-many boxes of photos. (I mean there are a LOT!)

Amongst many others going back to when photos all came out orange, I have put up an album on Facebook entitled, Fun Ways to Discipline your Children. I thought you might like these ideas, with it being the school holidays and everything in NZ.

...and if you continue being cheeky we will keep going down the Log Flume until you learn not to be!

All that fuss ....

2010-01-19T14:08:00.003+13:00

I feel a bit stupid really, because I made such a fuss over the staple gun, because in my head I had the amazingly great idea. Somehow though getting it out of my brain and into action equate to two really different things. So here is the thing I did for my wall. I don't think I even like it actually. I had in my head something with sequins or something (Aw don't ask, I can't even work myself out!) but somehow managed to get this. My downfall is, that I want to get it done, like yesterday, and then I get inspiration whilst trying to watch the six o'clock news and get the dinner dished up. So it ends up looking like a dogs dinner, which incidentaly is quite often what dinner ends up looking like too. At least I have a bit of a theme going then!

But I will leave it up for now because the wall looks so bare and if I take it down, it will only join the other 28 half done, slash, needs attention, corner. And at least its in the same colour story!

Island Life

2010-01-16T17:17:00.008+13:00

In our endeavour to do stuff these holidays, here is our wee trip to Rangitoto today. It was a bit of a climb, and I did think my heart would give out. So even though I don't do resolutions, I must try and get fitter this year! I now sport a definite lump and bruise on my thigh, from the fool I made of myself going end over kite on the loose volcanic stones. Owwwww!

The view at the top is well worth the trek!

That so familiar shape that is Rangitoto.

Auckland

Junior Busy looking a little exhausted, and we are not even half way!

Auckland in the background

One of the cute baches on the island.

Exploring the lava caves....

And all this only half an hour from home!

Might have something to show you soon....

2010-01-14T18:47:00.002+13:00

I mean, don't get really excited, but we have a newbie to the craft room. The other staple gun is lost. I think it may be hanging out with my marbles...

Honestly! I really would have had something to show you...

2010-01-13T15:20:00.010+13:00

... because yesterday I was all geared up. The creative mojo, had made an appearance, and it really was time to address the artwork (I use that term lightly) in the bedroom. After all I only changed the colour scheme a year ago! So I knew what I was going to do and everything, and got all my bits together.

Hmmm ... oops forgot the staple gun. Silly me! Will just pop and get that and then crack on with this project. Oh. Okaaay, not in that drawer. (Chew nail and frown) Or that one.
Right, lets see...

Fast forward 24 hours, and I'm exhausted. Not to mention exhausted every possibility of WHERE IT COULD BE ?

Which meant I had to pull a few things out of drawers and cupboards, which resulted in a complete and total spring clean. Great yeah. But I still haven't found my staple gun, which means I will have to go and buy a new one. I know not a big deal in the big scheme of things, but its like an itch. I just keep going back to the same places in that futile search. Losing stuff is my pet peeve. I should probably keep things more organised and then I wouldn't be in the fortunate position of having a clean space. Another side effect is, I have a whole drawer full of presents that I had bought to "put away", which I forgot existed. (I could probably do Christmas all over again). The Dymo which I got in October got a bit of a run out, so here is the result of my 24 hours of back breaking, bad language, sneezing search....

I didn't do a before picture, but I'm tellin ya, you would be impressed with the
transformation!

I can't say how long they will stay so pretty, but God loves a trier.

What can happen when a woman with PMT is let loose with a Dymo labeller!

See that big square thing? That's a desk, and there is even a computer on it. Amazing what you can find!

I'm tempted to frame it!

CUE THE AFTERMATH...

I'm thinking Mr Busy might have a bit of job getting in the front door...

And upstairs...

Ahem. Or downstairs for that matter.

I do have to ask myself though. How much stuff do I need?

Busy being Monkeys!

2010-01-11T19:21:00.010+13:00

We are really trying to get out and about these holidays with the kids. It's so easy when you don't go away somewhere to just hang around the house "doing stuff that needs to be done". So with that in mind we headed out to the Woodhill Forest past Kumeu and Waimauku to Tree Adventures. My feet started tingling before we even got there because I really don't like heights, but if the kids were willing and able then I could hardly pike out could I? Incidentally, Woodhill Forest is where the Film Company making the new Yogi Bear movie have recreated Yellowstone Park. Didn't catch sight of Yogi or Boo Boo, but that was okay because we had more than enough thrills on the obstacle course through the trees. So, hook your Caribeeners on and we'll show you how its done!

Happy Monkey's!

A new look

2010-01-11T14:39:00.002+13:00

Obviously I have too much time on my hands. I learned how to make a pretty background and stuff, so I have been mucking about with colours and wot not. As my darling Mum used to say. "A change is as good as a rest."
If you think the colours are too hard to read or anything please let me know, as I find it offputting when the colours are coming at you in 3D, and you need migrane medication and a good lie down after you have read it.
I got my background from here. And it also had very easy instructions on how to do it. (It really is a case of, If I Can Do It Then Anyone Can!)
We have been pretty busy getting out and about with the kids, so will post some pictures soon of us swinging through the trees, pretending to be really Busy Monkeys.

Count your blessings ...

2010-01-01T17:15:00.003+13:00

its the little things in life that count. Like running through the sprinkler on a hot New Years day...

Happy New Year from the Busy's!

Christmas Day Mayhem

2009-12-30T08:04:00.004+13:00

The heat, the noise, the mess, the absolute mayhem that is Christmas Day when you are from a large family ... I love it!!!

The joy of finding the things you love....

Being with the ones you love....

including Busy sisters....

and as has been customary in our family for over 20 years...

Lighting a candle for those of us not there to celebrate with us.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T16:40:00.003+13:00

Nintendo's and Playstations and sparkly new bikes aside, I would just like to wish you all, blessings, peace and love this Christmas. I hope it is filled with the contentment of being with your loved ones, and that your New Year is one of health and happiness.

Better than bought ones...

2009-12-18T18:47:00.004+13:00

I always think buying flowers for me is such a waste. Because,

A. I am the worst flower arranger in the world

and

B. They don't last very long even with the little sachets they give you and using all the tricks like sugar and bleach. (Maybe you are supposed to add water to that?!!)

Well even I am able to make a decent looking arrangement, with these gorgeous hydrangea's. They are from our garden and are looking pretty darn pretty right now. Ours are shades of purple, but Annie (my niece and dear friend) has ones that are the most vibrant pink and pure white. Its something to do with the alkaline levels or something.

Really with a blog name like Busy Lizzie, you would think I should know!!!

Tis the Season and all that...

2009-12-15T16:59:00.005+13:00

So I finally got the Christmas Tree and decorations up. I more or less let the kids go for it this year with the tree (I'm usually a colour co-ordinated control freak), because the old eye was giving me jip, and the thought of sticking my eye with an artificial pine tree branch made my toes curl. (I know it should be real, but a couple of years ago, I got this poor looking thing from the warehouse, and its sort of stuck around). Anyway I just handed it over to the Busy kids and told them to knock themselves out. I picked up these fairy baubles from Spotlight last year. Three boxes of 24 knocked down from $25.00 to just $1.00 a box. Totally doesn't go with the colour scheme, but this year it just didn't seem to matter. Christmas carols belting out, and the kids doing the tree without me taking over the whole show looks like it might be the way to go!

Pauline bought me this decoration. I just wish I looked as good!!

And this fairy at the top of the tree is something my Mum bought me about 20 years ago. I have tried to give her a bit of a makeover over the years but she still doesn't manage that sophisticated look a lot of fairies have. Trouble is Mum passed away 5 years ago, and I cannot bear to part with the little bedraggled fairy now. I know what my Mum would say.

She would say, "Oh Elizabeth chuck her out and just go and get a new one."

But I can't. So she stays.

Then I had these sticks in a vase. (My sister Pauline sticks sticks in a vase and they look amazing. You should see her Christmas deco's. They are out of this world!)

Anyway I let the kids loose on those and then chucked the rest of the baubles in a glass jar and bowl, and they look quite nice when the sun shines on them...

In the interest of Happy Blogging

2009-12-09T12:49:00.003+13:00

I think I may be coming out of the dark dingy hole of a painful eyeball. I can even manage to enjoy a cup of tea, and a cheese toasted vogels. And aint that what life's all about?

Happy Days people. Happy Days!

The way Eye see it...

2009-12-07T16:41:00.008+13:00

I don't like to wallow in misery normally, and hope that soon it will be mince pies and the Christmas spirit that I'm wallowing in. I'm having a crumby week, and I'm sure everyone thinks I'm some Mafia boss's sidekick, because I have to wear these everywhere.

Maybe Santa might find me a decent pair of sunnies in his sleigh...?

The eyes have it...

2009-12-03T09:41:00.003+13:00

or in my case one eye does not have it.
I had the cataract surgery on Tuesday, and although it was a slim chance I thought perhaps I might get something back in my right eye. Unfortunately the retina is in a very bad way, but you know... I am grateful God gave me two eyes....

Tulle flower tutorial...

2009-11-24T15:11:00.011+13:00

Due to popular demand here is the tute for the tulle flower brooch...
Get all your bits together...
You will need:

Tulle - I used black and a sort of beige colour. (its what I had in the stash!)
Needle and thread.
Templates, one slightly bigger than the other - mine are very high tech, jam jar lids!
Scissors - stating the obvious here.
Brooch Back or safety pin.

Cut out 8 of each colour, or if you are doing one colour 16 in the larger circle. Mine were as rough as guts, but tulle is very forgiving.
Cut out 8 of the smaller size.

For each petal use 2 large circles together and fold in half. Mine were one black circle and one beige one. Now layer them like this and starting at the back make a stitch through all layers to secure.

Keep doing this until you have 4 sides secured. (If you can have four sides to a circle?)

Now take your next 8 double layers circles. (We are still on the big circles here folks). Fold in half and in half again, so you have a quarter.
Do the same as before so that you are securing each quarter...

See?

Take your smaller circles and fold into quarters, and secure on top of the others. For the top I did a double layer of the lighter colour, not with the black in it at all.

Sew on your brooch back, or safety pin. I sort of separate the layers so it looks a bit more "fluffed up". You could also sew in a cute button or diamante in the centre, but I wanted mine quite plain.

...and there you have a tulle flower brooch!

I really hope this helps, and would love to see how much better you can do than my slightly sad attempt!!

A rose by any other name might be a giveaway...

2009-11-23T16:37:00.004+13:00

I whipped this little tulle flower up to go on my black dress, which has a bit of a plunging neckline, and being on the wrong side of 40 I reckon I just cannot go around flashing my very sensible bra to Mr Busy's work colleagues, so decided I need a bit of something to cover myself up with. I saw a really cute floppy tulle flower the other day stuck on a dress. It was bigger than the one I have made, so I might give that a bit of a go as well.
I am very proud of myself. Not for my sewing prowess or anything, but the fact that I made do, and didn't go out and buy something to wear tonight. Its Mr Busy's Christmas do, dinner thing. I know! Don't even talk to me about having a work do on a school night, and a Monday at that! It's at Villa Maria, which I am interested to see, as I haven't been there before, which is shameful because it's hardly at the other end of the country!

Mental Note to Self: GET OUT MORE!

I am thinking I might put up a wee tutorial for this, because I just sort of made it up as I went along. What do you reckon? Although you lot are all so crafty and clever that you probably don't need a run down on how to make it. Let me know, and I might even put you all in the draw and do a wee giveaway. Don't know what yet! I tell ya, I'm livin on the edge. Doing giveaway's willy nilly and not even planing for it!
(Small disclaimer - I am going in for eye surgery to remove a cataract from my blind eye next week so you will have to forgive me if I am not on to it immediately. Not sure of the outcome yet, as the cataract is just part of another problem with this pesky eye of mine, but will try and get on to it as soon as. Assuming I get some comments that is!!!)
Anyhoo must go and put on the war paint for Mr Busy's do.
Eye will See you later!

Almost Human

2009-11-15T15:19:00.005+13:00

Its been a pretty revolting week I have to say. Monday late in the afternoon started with a niggly pain in my tooth. I tried to ignore it.
Darn. Woke on Tuesday in a lot of pain, but the thing was I had been waiting on a hospital appointment at the Eye Clinic for about 23 years, so could not miss my 10am pre-op appointment. 'Bring someone who can drive you' the letter says, and 'the appointment will take approximately 3 hours'.
Great. I'm in agony and my long suffering sister Pauline (she always gets the driving job) has to sit in the waiting room, and try to find a vending machine that doesn't dispense muddy water and pretend its coffee.
Lucky for her (and me) she brought a really good book. I will get to this in a bit.
I suffer the appointment in agony, with my jaw swelling by the minute and pupils so dilated I was almost walking into walls. But thankfully the dentist could get me in later that afternoon.

You know its bad when the dentist's receptionist looks at you, sucks air through her teeth, pulls a face and says "oooh you poor thing..." So ... 'its an abscess', and "you need antibiotics", and "we might just max your credit card to pay for the Root Canal that you so desperately need".

By Thursday or is it Friday ( I don't know now its all a bit of a haze) I can't take much more of the pain, and in the end it's another trip to the dentist, a wee jaunt to A & E, a hop skip and a jump to the pharmacy, and I'm loaded with drugs, new antibiotics, and another 2 days in bed, and a face that only Weta Worshop could love.
I took another little trip, but that was purely down to the Codeine which I very obviously do not have the constitution for.
But I can report that I will now not being auditioning for the new Elephant Man movie, and my face is almost symmetrical again. (Mind you I'm not sure it ever was to be honest!)

As I started recouping I was able to read a book, and I knew it would not disappoint. Mitch Albom just never has disappointed me. Tuesdays with Morrie, The Five People you Meet in Heaven and For One More Day, they all left a lasting impression on me.
Have a little Faith is a fantastic read, and I won't insult you by trying to review it but take a look at this. Mitch reads his first few pages. I bawled just watching that!

I was lucky enough to go see Mitch Albom when he was in Auckland a couple of years back. He is such a lovely guy, and a brilliant writer. I'm totally in love!

Anyway, I'm off on Friday for the last bit of my Root Canal. I hope it all goes well. I guess I'll just need to Have a Little Faith...

I apologise if I appear rude...

2009-11-07T09:23:00.004+13:00

Remember when this went pear shaped a good few months back? Well I have only just got it back a few weeks ago. I don't like it when things go pear shaped because they never really come back quite the same. And my whizz bang computer hasn't. I usually do all my emaily stuff through Outlook, but for some reason it now won't accept emails from my ISP. Which also means that when I try to send someone an email to thank them for commenting on my, what are becoming really boring posts, I can't. In fact now I can't do lots of things on my flash not very old computer, who's warranty had expired which made Dell not want to help me at all. (But that's a whole new post, and not the right forum for venting my immense frustration at off shore call centre's)
So dear readers, and you're a loyal bunch for hanging in there and reading my blog and leaving really nice comments, I apologise if you feel neglected for not getting a wee follow up email. I'm not ignoring you honestly. I am usually sitting in front of this computer muttering bad words under my breath, about how much you pay for these things, and then they just ... break.

Which leads me nicely to this...

My shiny new friend in the sewing room, who looks remarkably like the last one, who (insert a slightly demented laugh) also went pear shaped. (Can you see a theme occurring here, or is it just me?)
And because I'm a glutton for punishment, let me introduce you to a couple more additions to the creative space.

Dymo the labeller, which I spent my birthday money on, because I have been wanting one of these babies forever.

And Victoria Lynn, the Crystal Crafter. Its a thingy that you can attach Swarovski Crystals to almost anything. My sister Lee bought it for me for my birthday in October. I can't wait to be let loose with that either.

I've already registered the warranty's on them, so ... fingers crossed!

An update on the drama...

2009-11-04T16:53:00.003+13:00

Remember this. Things have been a bit tense around here the last couple of days. Billy went in for "therapy", and I haven't heard a peep since around the middle of October. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and yes it does, but also a little stir crazy as well. Anyway I phoned up the "fix it place", and there was a lot of dithering about and general "not being able to find the folder" carry on. The folder is an important part of our reconciliation here, because it held all our details, like where to contact me when Billy was ready to come home. I also handed over some very important documentation, like the receipt and warranty, of which I had no copy. You can see the panic that was starting to rise when in fact they could find no evidence of Billy's lengthy stay. Oh yeah there were promises that they would call me back in the morning, and all that, but I knew. I knew in my heart that things were not right. That perhaps Billy might not be coming home after all. After a rather terse message left on the "Head Honcho's" voice mail. I got a call back a few hours later.
Billy has decided not to return to our relationship. But they have another Billy all jacked up, apparently this one doesn't have any hangups with his motor, and is ready to be picked up and taken home, and this time very much appreciated.

TRANSLATION:
Phoned Spotlight yesterday.
Spotlight could not find paper work regarding my faulty sewing machine which went in for repair mid October.
Said shop did not ring back.
I rang Head Office and a nice girl called Angela sorted it all out. (Note: always go to the top)
Billy (sewing machine) had been lost.
They were replacing my Brother 4200 with a brand new one.
Ready to be picked up tomorrow.

RESULT!

Summer has to be on its way! Yeah Right!

2009-11-02T14:05:00.005+13:00

If you are a Kiwi, and partial to a cold beer the title of this post might mean something to you, because it poured down this morning, but then I could have predicted that, because:
A: We live in Auckland
and
B: I watered my little vege/herb patch last night.

Besides that, the distinctive sound of Tui's are in the air. They are my favourite bird. Well apart from the Kiwi of course. And I simply love the sound of their call. I could sit and listen to them for ages. Jr Busy daughter pointed out a couple in a tree a over the back. This tree is quite a distance, so they looked huge.

See that tree the skinny sort of one in the middle. They are at the top of there...

See?

Anyway, I just thought I would share this little moment with you... Um I apologise for the sideways picture. I keep forgetting that you can't rotate video... um and the batteries were going on the camera again (I'm almost to embarrassed to mention it) hence the very short film. But you can catch their lovely sound at the end.

Have a chirpy day....

Scrap that...

2009-10-30T13:29:00.004+13:00

I have discovered a fabulous new blog, so do go have a gander. Fi and Steph from She's clean, I'm simple, have posted about their first attempt at scrapbooking, so I thought I might share mine with you, although to be honest I'm really embarrassed because if that was their first attempts then I'm afraid I might be a pretty rubbish scrapbooker. I have really neglected it over the last couple of years as well, so its been on my mind to get back into it and start getting some of those precious memories recorded. I only have about 83 boxes of photos to sort through, which are now in no particular order, because if you know me you will know that whenever there is a party or special occassion I like to put up a bit of a photo board. I'm a bit wonton to parties, and cranking up the Abba cd's, so you can imagine the mess I'm in. Anyway cue sentimental music, and here goes....

My very first attempt at one of those scrapbooking parties.

Keeping it simple

and then getting all flash with punches and flowers made out of torn rounds...
This is still my favourite of Senior Busy and Junior busy Daughters. Junior Busy had a bit of a thing for taking her clothes off. I like that effect of continuing the horizon, and beach...

Aw... look how young the Junior Busy's look...

Stocking fillers

2009-10-27T09:55:00.005+13:00

I got on a bit of roll with these. It was really about time I started using some of the stash of my buttons and ribbons, and I think these will make nice little gifts or stocking fillers. I was thinking of perhaps doing some that were a bit more boyish, sort of like medals, but not sure how they would be received. These sorts of things are great for whipping up whilst you are watching tele. I don't feel quite so lazy if I'm doing something.
Apologies for the bad quality. Light is shocking due to it being a revolting day, and the batteries were going flat in the camera again (no change there then) so I was in a hurry.

I actually only started out to do hair clips, but ran out of clips, but went a bit mad, as you can see!

A good day indeed

2009-10-14T07:02:00.005+13:00

Mr Busy and I have been together for quite some time, however it was all made official 3 years ago.

I do like being Mrs Busy....

Happy Anniversary Mr Busy. With love from Mrs Busy.

Nothing to see here folks.. keep moving please...

2009-10-11T17:04:00.004+13:00

Remember Billy?
Billy and I have been getting on famously over the last week or so. I've been sewing like mad, and I just didn't notice him getting grumpier and grumpier. I suppose I was off in that euphoric sewing space. Too selfish to even realise that perhaps I was taking my faithful sewing companion for granted.
Then on Friday night - and its not like he had been to the pub and was picking for a fight or anything - he just suddenly made this awful growling noise and then stopped. Stating on his LED screen that he had had enough he couldn't go on any longer like this. (Actually his precise words were, "The Safety Device has been Activated")
In other words his motor had locked up!!!
I consulted our relationship manual immediately. But all the coercing in the sewing room just did not work. We had a really tense 24 hours where I would keep coming back just begging for a second chance, repeatedly consulting our relationship manual, furiously chewing my nails for a positive outcome.
In the end we both decided that it might be a good idea just to have a break from each other for a while. I have heard of these "breaks" where they come back, but never quite the same. And it worries me.
I'm dropping him off at the analysts for verification that we are doing the right thing tomorrow. My stomach is just a knot of nerves at the thought of it. But if we are to go forward in this sewing relationship I know that it's a lonely agony that I will have to bear.
I'm hoping that the "Spotlight" on this problem will bring him back a better Billy, and me a more appreciative sewer....

Nothing and then crazy sewing

2009-10-07T11:06:00.001+13:00

Yep that's me. I think I have some sort of crafting bi-polarness
Here is what I have been up to...

Spike

The girls...
< A Fluffy

Little Pig

And the Rebels.

(Well the chap with the eye patch is a bit cranky, because his Mum wouldn't let him have a Mohawk like his mate, and made him go out as a Pirate. Which is like, really babyish)

Turning....Japanese?

2009-09-24T17:05:00.007+12:00

When we had our two wee Japanese boys staying with us, they bought us a whole load of gifts. And I mean a load. Half a suitcase in fact! Extremely generous, and amongst it all they gave us a lot of origami paper, which is just beautiful. I love paper, and kept some aside so I could do something crafty with it.

I thought these glass magnets were a pretty good idea.

I have also had this pattern for a while, and want to make this Kimono dress, which fits nicely with the Japanese theme, although to be honest it doesn't look much like a Kimono to me, but I just can't resist a vintage pattern. I don't seem to be able to muster the energy for much sewing lately. I'm either busy with family stuff, or when I have a moment I am so tired, that going near anything crafty is bad news, because any attempt at creativeness usually turns to custard really quickly only making me more frustrated. However, this only has two pieces so you would think even with chronic sleep deprivation, I could manage it.

Hmmm we shall see...!

5 plus a day?

2009-09-13T20:44:00.001+12:00

Mr Busy and I attended the Vegetaball on Friday night. (Mr Busy is in the seed business). It was a good night, and nice to get all glammed up, and have a bit of a dance...

Along the wedding theme...

2009-09-09T17:31:00.003+12:00

Pretty self explanatory really. Its hard to see the silver ribbon trim and wee crystal beads, but it did look quite pretty...

Look at all this....

2009-09-07T09:43:00.006+12:00

I am so behind the eight ball here that it's not even funny. Ages ago, and I mean a fair way back now, I was lucky enough to win the *Jellybelly*jellybrain giveaway. It was the most adorable button necklace, which I am getting some very favourable comments on. It looks so darn cute, that I am lovin myself sick in it!!

But check this out, not only did Emma send me the giveaway, but a container load of other goodies.

The word overwhelmed springs to mind here:

I don't know how to thank Emma for her generosity, but I will try it by saying this

THANK YOU!!!

My baby is growed up....

2009-09-03T17:32:00.003+12:00

Yep Senior Busy Daughter has turned 21. How do I feel. I don't know, but how can it be possible that I remember turning 21 like it was last week? Anyway Happy Birthday bub. And even though she has 3 younger siblings, she will always be my baby girl.

Normal transmission should resume shortly...

2009-08-26T17:26:00.008+12:00

Mrs Busy would like to apologise to her loyal followers, in reference to total lack of blogging since ... well probably since Adam was a cowboy or sometime around then. I can't be sure what it is that causes me to cease completely. Probably laziness, but there must a more technical term than that.
Okay now here come the excuses - er - reasons.
Ahem....
The Busy Household... because its not like its busy enough already, took on a couple of 10 year old Japanese Home stay students for a few weeks. I was in my "expanding the family's perspective on things" mode! I didn't realise expanding the family's perspective on worldwide cultures could be quite as exhausting as it was. For one the boys spoke NO ENGLISH! And I didn't realise sign language took so much time and effort. I could go on and on, but if you are anything like my kids you will have switched off from me and switched on the tele!
Speaking of my kids. Senior Busy daughter turned 21 yesterday. Now do not ask me how that happened because seriously I was only 21 about 10 years ago. I'm sure of that! I still have my beautiful dress that I had made, with the big bow on the back. I took it out of the wardrobe for old times sake, and pulled it on. The little cinched in waist fits very nicely ... around my thigh!
Senior Busy daughter is flatting now. She found our house far too confining so moved to somewhere smaller, but we had our usual "its your birthday and you get to pick what to have for dinner" last night. It must have been okay, because she has just popped in for cold left overs tonight! I'm gonna have to give her some cooking lessons I think, but I quite like the fact that she still needs her mother, even if only a little bit! Which leads me very nicely to the fact that I said I would do the food for her big party on Saturday. I was a bit naive, and didn't realise there were 130 people coming! Ah well, in for a penny, in for a nervous breakdown!
I haven't done a whole heap of sewing, but ages ago I promised to show you the little pouch and makeup bag I made for my nieces recent wedding. It was a stunning affair (is that the correct word when describing a wedding?). I sound like a really geriatric old Aunty, but my niece is in fact only about 6 years younger than me. We are a big family and really spread out! So because blogs can be a bit boring without pictures I will leave you with a couple of pics. I am currently charging the batteries in the camera - again - so will have to show you what I have been doing when they are charged. I should perhaps change the title of my blog to: Charging the Batteries. Cue music ...

Dupion Silk pouch, trimmed with vintage lace. The outside of the pouch is in white and lined with blush dupion silk, which is the fabric my own wedding dress was made from.

Inside the little pouch an old penny from 1877, which was my late Dad's, and my late Mum's little badge. Its a proud Kiwi, and my Mum wore it whenever she travelled. The little pouch is something that has become a tradition in our family, and either myself or my other niece, the only sewers in the family make one, for whoever is getting married. It's small enough to just tie behind a bouquet.

And a wee blue flower sewn into it, for something blue...

And a little make-up bag because - well just because!

And the winner is...

2009-07-20T17:31:00.004+12:00

JELLYBELLY*JELLYBRAIN

I had a very official picking process. You know the one where you tear bits of paper up from one of the kids refills, and write all the names down, and then put them in a little pile and close your eyes and dive your hand in? One of those. Now I wanted to take a picture of the process or at the very least the winners name, but in famous Busy style the batteries have run out again in the camera, and the the two spare ones are in fact only one due the fact that when we were in Rotorua, I dropped one and it fell through the planks of the bridge we were standing on and straight into the river, and I wasn't about to dive in and try and find it!
So what I would normally do would be to take a really dodgy picture on the webcam. Another bit of a drama, unfortunately, is that my computer is currently away, as it caught something very nasty and at this very moment is being poked and prodded to try and retrieve all my photos and documents, which is giving me a bit of heartburn as I think I could possibly lose them all.
Sooooo I am on the family laptop which as I may have said before is a bit like waiting at the deli where you have to take a number and wait your turn. You know the one where you are number 58 and they have only just called out 24? But thats not the point. The point is this flash RED laptop does not have a photo capture facility on it. Oh its got a motion detector and a time lapse thingy, in case you want to set it up in the garden to watch a flower emerge from the depths of winter or something. And a heap of special effects on the video, but nope I cannot just TAKE A PHOTO!
Lucky for me I already put up a flash pic of the little zipped pouch, otherwise I would not have got a record NINE comments. Yep this blog is getting real popular!!!

More Snaps and a Giveaway too!!!!

2009-07-08T19:18:00.014+12:00

Woohoo, its only taken me about 18 months to reach 100 posts, but I'm here, and I feel as though I belong to a special club or something. I think the "protocol" is to do a giveaway, so I think I might just do that!

But first I will show you some more snaps of our weekend away!! Yeah you don't get off that lightly you know!!! I will try and keep it brief before I reveal the giveaway.
But first a word from our sponsors...

Paradise Valley Springs.

And a couple of interesting things

so if its good enough for Warriors its good enough for accountants...

I won't go on about it anymore, but Paradise Valley Springs was a wonderful place, and I didn't even mention the Lion feeding. Do you know how big a Lion looks when you only have a bit of wire between the two of you? Real big and very intense looking! Seriously if you are in Rotorua, check it out, the kids will love it!!

Part Two of the 100th Post
My last giveaway yielded 2 comments. Yep you heard correctly. Two. So just humour me eh, and leave a comment. I will post internationally and everything, because I'm good like that!

Up for grabs is this little zipped bag, and who knows, I might chuck something in it as well,

so leave a comment, and I will put you in the official draw. And if you link to my blog let me know and I will double your chances.

: 0 )

This Holiday Stinks!

2009-07-07T17:17:00.022+12:00

I have been a bit absent lately, due to my broken computer, which is still awaiting urgent medical assistance, but having a "family computer" has helped a bit. Although its a bit like taking a ticket and having to wait for your number to be called out. I would like to say that the lack of computer has had me sewing away like a cyber deprived maniac, but alas I don't have much to show, except a very small silk pouch. (More about that in another post).

Jellybelly Jellybrain, has posted her holiday snaps, and I have to say there wasn't a moment where I was thinking "oh hurry up" because she took some very nice shots of things at the very hot and summery beach. However as we are in the middle of a very cold winter here in New Zealand, the only place for a holiday, in my opinion is Rotorua, or one of our stunning mountains for skiing, but I have an aversion to snow (probably from living in the UK for 12 years.)

So on Friday we gave the kids the last day of term off and we hit the road early for our 3 hour trip to Rottonrua. Nicknamed aptly because it smells of eggs. Its all the sulphur and thermal activity I assume, and not that the town lives on Baked Beans and Cabbage.

Between you and me, I don't think a weekend counts as a "holiday", but Mr Busy has done a spreadsheet and budget forecast and it looks like that could be it...
... so I will show you a few of our "holiday" snaps.

There was quite a bit of this

And a lot of this...

A trip up the Gondola

and a hair raising ride down the luge .

Please note: Picture is not indicative of actual terror shown.

Then off for some thermal activity...

Where things got steamy at Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters)

This sign means....

Don't stick your fingers in the hot water Mr Busy!!

I conveniently wore a top to match The Devils Bath.

and not forgetting the bubbling mud pools, which I could have stood and watched all day!

And now for a small pictorial interlude ...

before I bid you Ka kite ano ...

A fellow blogger needs your help citizens...!

2009-06-17T16:56:00.002+12:00

Sandra over at Pepperberry is in dire need of some assistance with her furry family. Check out her post. Poste haste! Thanks!

New Do, turns into please don't...

2009-06-11T18:52:00.006+12:00

After yesterdays post I'm wondering if you could sense the excitement that I was going to the hairdresser to get my hair done. I'm really funny about my hair, and I don't mean in a ha ha way. Well the fact is, when your looks start going you really only have good hair to fall back on!
My hairdresser was away sick, but I was left in the hands of someone "very capable". Thinking about it I don't want capable, I want outrageously brilliant. Like my hairdresser Kaz! I could tell when she was cutting that I wasn't feeling "those vibes". The ones that say "I am going to look gooo-oood!"
I will cut to the chase (excuse the pun) and just tell you that I came straight home and jumped in the shower and washed it, and went at it with hairdryer, product, straighteners, only to sink to the bathroom floor in misery. I kept saying to the girl. I don't want to look like a Nana, I want to look like a funky mum of four. I do not want to look like a Nana!
Thank heavens for the internet, so I don't have to face anyone.

And I will leave you with this picture...

Watcha Wearing Wednesday

2009-06-10T11:03:00.002+12:00

Wow so this is the second week. And I have managed to post about it! Okay last week was dismal in my brown from head to toe. This week its black with a dash of white chucked in. Black merino jumper, with black and white wrap halter top thing, that I dont know what to call. Coupled with cullote type pants, and my new flat boots. I really did have to leave my head out of it, because,
A) I haven't been to the hairdressers yet.
B) I don't want to scare the loyal readers of my blog, by plastering my ugly mug all over the place!

Now I am going to get my long overdue hair "done"...

Feelin like ...?

2009-06-08T09:22:00.003+12:00

I'm not saying its swine flu...
But my nose is running, and I'm eating like a pig...

The Cat that got the ... er Cake

2009-06-04T08:51:00.004+12:00

Yesterday was Mr Busy's birthday. We have a little tradition in our family, that you can pick whatever you want for dinner on your birthday. Roast Chicken was ordered, and being the dutiful wife, I thought I would make a lovely choclate cake as well. Its becoming quite famous this chocolate cake, and I have made about a thousand of them to date.

The following events took place at 2.45pm ...

Bake Cake and leave on the bench to cool.
Muck about, go upstairs, answer phone, and have rather long conversation with my sister in law. Cat (Cleo) ambles past, giving a bit of a stretch in a sunny spot after spending all day curled up on my bed, which at this point is still unmade, due to not wanting to "disturb" the said cat.
As I wander downstairs the cat is nowhere in sight, but a quarter of the cake is missing! Yes you heard. A QUARTER of the cake!

No she didn't cut herself a piece. This was after I tried to rescue it, by cutting out offending mauled area. My sister in law asked me what sort of cat eats cake? I told her a hungry one.

And here we have the suspect, wondering what the heck all the fuss is about. What can I say? She was an orphaned stray that we got at 6 weeks old, and who the Busy family thinks is the cleverest, cutest, and most loving cat to walk the earth. And what did she have for dinner. Roast chicken like the rest of the family of course!

Watcha Wearing Wednesday

2009-06-03T12:59:00.004+12:00

Okay it's so boring and almost as unflattering as you can get but here goes....
Definately a could do better, and I'm not good at taking photos of myself, especially when the 3 chins try to muscle in on the act. Dear Fi remembers every Wednesday and I have been meaning to post but keep forgetting. I also tried to put the WWW button on my side bar and failed - miserably, because even though my friends think I'm a real whizz on the pewta, I'm really not, and for any of you gals who might be reading my blog. See. I'm not as clever as I look. (And I don't even look that clever!)

Brown polo neck, and Brown jumper over the top, because its freezing today, and Im still not warm! Brown raggy old bleach stained velour tracky's, and to finish off my higly polished look, a pair of dangy old Asics trainers, who's only form of support is the where the laces do up.

Brown Brown and more Brown... So I took a photo of the strides against the blue lino in the bathroom, just to keep you awake. Also trying to suck my guts in, but again failing miserably...

Getting me hair done next Wednesday so hopefully I might scrub up a bit better then. If I remember...!

Time to trash the room...

2009-06-02T14:38:00.005+12:00

Got the office nice and tidy, and then felt the urge to mess it up. So ...

Another boxy pouch bag thingy. Its quite cute and has pink and white stripes inside. I put a little ribbon tag thingy sticking out of the side, like the professionals do to make it look - well professional I suppose!

This was for my niece Annabelle, who is really more like a cousin/sister, because I'm only 6 years older than her. Short version of the explanation is: I am the youngest of six, and to put it in perspective, my oldest sibling is 18 years my senior! Hence the closeness in age to my nieces and nephews! I really don't like being called Aunty either!

And for Annabelles daughter Julia, to pad out her 8th Birthday present a bit, I whipped up these little drawer sachets. They smell like Vanilla buttercream cupcakes. I just left the edges raw, because they can look good all frayed, and you know I'm lazy, and I dont have any pinking shears! I must get some, but have you seen the price of them!!

I have been busting to use this fabric, but have a phobia of cutting into a new piece, but looking at all the fabric I have when I was tidying might have altered something!

You would think it's spring - yeah right!

2009-05-30T14:49:00.018+12:00

In fact on the 1st of June it is officially the first day of winter, but it's been pretty brass monkeys around here lately, and everything looks a mess outside and I have to say it does inside as well, so on that note I shall walk you through my funspace (office/sewing room). You see everytime I walk in here I think I was just becoming more depressed with the state of it, so with Saturday morning vigour I went for it. It didn't start out as a full scale attack, but just a bit of a go at the buttons, because any minute now I was going to knock them over and then end up with a pin in my knee while kneeling down trying to pick them up, and we all know what that feels like, so it was time for a pre-emptive attack...

It was one of those situations where everything was so precariously balanced on top of a slippery plastic bag, that it all threatened to go shooting across the floor should you breath near it.

You know I'm almost too embarassed to show you, but I'm keepin it real ...

In a previous life this was known as a "fabric stash". More like fabric trashed!

and I kind of knew where everything was, but I only mean kind of knew.

And here is the reason I get myself in this situation in the first place

So this ...

became this

and this was never going to work

so became ...

Not quite there...

but by the magic of television...

And because I'm so honest I am going to show you my dirty little secret, but it's just between you and me, okay?

My little cupboard under the stairs, which would give even Harry Potters rellies, The Dursleys nightmares!

And of course there is the post battle carnage to clear up...

...because I can hear Mr Busy muttering something about "someone breaking a leg on these stairs in a minute".

But to be honest I think I might need a bit of a lie down, because I'm shattered

Gotcha! Your'e It

2009-05-24T08:29:00.006+12:00

Emma over at Jellybelly*Jellybrain has tagged me. I haven't been tagged before except that time in Form Two at Pasadena Intermediate, when the girls played ball tiggy with the boys, and they chucked the tennis ball so hard at us that we got branded. But that's all in the past now and the therapy really seemed to help with my aversion to "running around" sports, and I can now sit on the couch and watch rugby with hardly any panic attacks at all.
So the deal is that I tell you 8 things about meself... so here goes...

8 Things I'm looking forward to...
Doing nothing today after a frantic week and weekend.
Attending my nieces wedding at Mantells in July.
Heading off to Rotorua for a weekend break with Busy husband and small Busy's.
Getting some crafty stuff underway.
Summer. Don't even go there its only Autumn and I am totally over it!
Spending some quality time with friends that we have owed a dinner to for ages.
Cracking open a bottle of vino with said friends.
Holding a bit of a do for Mikes Nephew and his lovely girlfriend, when they come back from Oz.

8 Things I did yesterday...
*Got up at 7.00 and made a pancake brekkie for the family.
*Made a big casserole to feed the multitudes.
*Baked a chocolate cake, for the after match function for Little Busy Daughters First Holy Communion, and helped Mr Busy make Club sandwiches.
*Organised the Busy Family's clothes for the above event. (Because Mr Busy would rock up to Mass in his Rugby jersey and ratty jeans. You think I'm joking don't you?).
*Raced down to Church to set up the Parish Centre for the Communion Breakfast (which I refer to as the after match function), only to find out it was full of people having a grand old time with lots of food and cups of tea. Plan C was quickly put into action, and required a great deal of re-jigging of timetable.
*Raced back home.
*Attacked Little Busy Daughter's hair with straighteners, ribbon, and tulle and flowers.
*Attended 6.30pm Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Howick, and was very proud of Little Busy daughter for not making a face when she took communion wine.

8 Things I wish I could do...

*See out of both eyes, because I'm blind in one eye.

*Sing in tune all the time. (Okay so sing in tune ... full stop!)

*Be really patient and zen like. (Good luck with that. Quick! Did you see that pig fly past the window?)

*Get a flat stomach (oops there goes another pig)

*Have more consistency with my crafting. Like getting started would help as well.

*Keep my house tidy all the time, not just that mad racing around because someone has knocked on the door, and the laundry is sitting in the middle of the stairs waiting to be escorted to its room.

*Be able to play the piano or guitar, because if I could hold a tune as well, imagine what I would be like at a party? You hum it, I'll play it!!

*Grow a few inches. Not much but 5ft 2, is really annoying when you have to take up every pair of pants you buy, and cropped ones just look like you have hemmed them a bit too much.

8 Shows I watch...

*Coronation Street

*Animal Rescue (Australian) or Animal House (NZ) or those Zoo ones.

*Underbelly - The Mr Asia Story- but just finished.

*24

*American Idol

*Celebrity Rehab (I know, I know - don't tell anyone though eh)

*Re-runs of Seinfield

*Chuck a whole load in from, Discovery Chanel, Nat Geo, and Crime Chanel.

Now looking at this you may be thinking. What a boring old bird. Well you are probably right!! I apologise for the double spacing that seems to have occured all on its own. I can't fix it because it's like 9.14 on Sunday morning I'm a bit tired, and Mr Busy is putting on the kettle because I have only had one cup of tea so far.

Now I know you are all standing by to be tagged, so you over there, stop trying to hide behind that other blogger.

Dear Fi

Ric Rac
Another Day in Paradise
Applique today
Pepperberry & Co

Princess Kirsty Jane

Okay this is only six bloggers, but time is of the essence here, and Im breaking rules all over the place, and I might get banished from blog land, but seriously folks, I'm sill in my dressing gown, and it's now 20 to ten and the school uniforms still aren't washed, never mind dried. And that messy house I was telling you about earlier? Suffice to say we could end up with a government department coming in here and shutting the whole place down

THE RULES:

Here's the rules, just in case you want to follow them:.
1. Mention the name of the person who tagged you.
2. Do the lists of 8.
3. Tag 8 bloggers of your choice.
4. Let them know that they have been tagged!

SO IF YOU HAVE BEEN NAMED IN THE ABOVE LIST ... YOUR'E IT!!

What a week...!

2009-05-13T18:42:00.013+12:00

Its been an exciting week. This arrived from Dear Fi , and was a delight on a raining freezing day...

It is the Pay it Forward from a while back. From memory Fi, in fact Paid it Forward to everyone who commented. What an all round good egg! She is working her fingers to the bone, getting ready for Shows all over the place, and then "whips" up all these adorable little purses for about a hundred and ninety people. Also some lovely little note cards, which just seem too nice to use. Perhaps I shall put them on my wall and let them inspire me when I complain I have too much to do!! So Fi... thank you very much.
And then, I was scrolling through the blogs I stalk... er follow, and was reading jelly belly jelly brain, and lo and behold there was my face (more like ugly mug) on her blog. Not only that but I had won her giveaway!!! Which is a beautiful button necklace.
I am one lucky little blogger.

Its big Wednesday Lotto draw here tonight,and Im thinking I should have bought a ticket, but do you know I have been so lucky this week, that perhaps I should shift over and give someone else a go!
Speaking of lucky. Lucky for me I had just been out and bought some brown and beige felt. I had been scribbling a few softie ideas down, and then jnr Busy comes home and tells me that they have to take a 'donation' to school. Not more bleedin money I muttered, but no, its for their lovely student teacher Miss L (really hard to pronounce name) from the States who is heading back on Friday. It had to be something that was New Zealand. Like Pinapple Lumps

or Milo

which are pretty much Kiwi staples, especially when you live overseas, as my fellow Kiwi expat Joanna from Applique today will testify.

So in true, Crafty Kiwi spirit, I whipped up one of these whilst the beans and peas boiled their guts out on the stove, and the jacket potatoes shrivelled up in the oven...

And as Kiwi's are protected, I branded his little bum, so he could be tracked wherever in the world he goes...

Easy Mix...

2009-04-29T12:22:00.005+12:00

A little know fact to people who don't know me really well, and I'm surprised I haven't shared it with you all by now, but I'm a radio person during the day. My radio is on from 6 in the morning till 6 at night, and its permanently on in the sewing room. Very convenient because you can listen and do stuff at the same time, and with the radio station I listen to its great, because they always have real little gems about all sorts of things in life, as well as really good music.

Another little know fact in blog world, is the "ringing or emailing the radio station" gene that I inherited from my late mum. She was always ringing up and winning stuff, or just putting her two bobs worth in.
So here is a big yahooo, to EASY MIX, which in my opinion is theee best station. Emma, Busy Daughter number one reckons it's bordering on stalking, especially when I inadvertently sent one of the morning presenters our family christmas lunch menu, asking what dish she would be bringing. Yeah I know when its put like that it doesnt look real good, but Alison was really good about it, and cancelled the trespass notice not long after I apologised.
Anyway just before Easter they had a competition going for The Reader prize pack, which consisted of the book, movie tickets, and some very nice perfume. Being inflicted with "the" gene and with the phone number tatooed onto my brain, I rung up and...

And if you don't believe me how nice they all are there, you can even listen online! Its Easy

The PB & H and Vogels has kicked in...

2009-04-27T14:24:00.008+12:00

Okay so the chocolate is off the menu but I think the Peanut butter and Honey on Vogels may have done the trick. The headbands were a success so as Anna is making her First Holy Communion and Confirmation in May, she needed something for her hair, so I made The Headband in white Dupion Silk and hand sewed on some little pearls and beads. I wanted to embellish it with Swarovski Crystals that I have, but I couldn't get the needle all the way through the bead. I used these other ones instead, and although not as glittery and eye catching, not too bad.

I finished Emma's bag, which she has been waiting for for ages, but I was in the middle of it when the Craft Paralysis struck! I whipped her up a headband in the wider style as well, just for the fun of it! Its not great because I couldn't be bothered changing the white thread for black, which is just lazy of me!

And here are the swimming bags I made Nick and Anna, a couple of weeks ago.

All in all a rather productive weekend considering, we were all up at Stockade Hill at 5am for the Anzac dawn service. Very moving, especially when they play the last post. It was a howling gale, but nothing compared to what those boys went through.

Remembering...

2009-04-24T18:22:00.002+12:00

A poem written by my husband Mike in 1969 - aged 13 years.

It was a day like today my son, from out of the bright blue sky.
A day like today my son, when millions of people did die.
They came from high above my son, like eagles diving for their prey.
And not a single one was left my son.
Except for you and I...

Remembering the ANZACS, and the sacrifices they made for us...

"They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the evening
we will remember them."
— From the Anzac Day Service

Polka Dot Headbands and Vogels Bread

2009-04-24T09:59:00.003+12:00

A few of the blogs I have been reading have all been suffering from some sort of block in the craft department. Jodie from Ric Rac calls it EITTTS. Everything I Touch Turns To S***. Then Sandra over at Pepperberry & Co calls it Craflu. My personal favourite is Craft Paralysis, because I get to my sewing room and then turn around, head for the kitchen, pop the kettle on and have a bit of rummage in the barren pantry for something that's really bad for me. Most crafters who are suffering from any, or even all of these debilitating conditions have been prescribed a good dose of chocolate, taken at regular intervals until symptoms cease. I suffer from an equally torturous condition that means I can't eat chocolate, otherwise my chest bursts into flames and I spend the next 2 weeks propped up trying to sleep on 8 pillows. My intolerance to the Craft Paralysis prescription, leaves me feeling needing, and so in desperation I will turn to Peanut Butter and Honey on Vogels. (You kiwis will know what I'm on about here.) It's not ideal but you have to get that sugar and fat fix where you can.
Well it may have started to kick in because I made a couple of headbands yesterday for Little Busy and her cousin. And then because they went so well I made another one for my friend Jos's girl too. Now I'm not saying I have been cured by PB & H on Vogels, but its a start. I'm not sure what the remedy is, but I also find it really difficult to start cutting into fabric. Which is ridiculous because I am a bit embarrassed by my stash now, and I need to start using it. I'm not alone here because Sandra said she understands and has bought some discontinued fabric. I nearly broke out in hives when she told me. I mean how could you ever go near it with a pair of scissors? Anyway I'm off. The kettle's just boiled!! : )

**** UPDATE****Please note because I was banging on about Craft Paralysis I failed to mention that the headband tutorial came courtesy of foofangle who was generous enough to post a tutorial with a template to download. I cannot take credit for being fantastic all on my own!!

MARMOT

2009-04-20T19:49:00.005+12:00

It's a group I have started on FB. Its stands for Mothers Against Rejected Mothers Of Teenagers.
I told you a couple of posts back how I was hanging around at FB for a bit hence my lack of posting? I even made friends with my two oldest children. Busy Daughter 21 in August, and Busy Son 18 in June. (To be honest he is not that busy, mainly just lies around, or goes out socialising). This whole face book thing was going quite well for a while and everyone was rubbing along together in a very jolly fashion, with lots of nice comments and everything. And then it happened. Here is how...

Matt comments: Finished work early. (He's a builders apprentice, and its pouring rain today)
Mum comments: Well you can tidy your room then! (in a lets have a laugh kind of way)
Friend of Matt comments: ha ha
Matt comments: Mum don't comment me you loser.
Friend of Matt comments: tidy your room.
Mum comments: something about not being so mean, and I can embarrass you more than you can embarrass me.
Matt comments: I can delete you.

And guess what? He did. Just like that!
On my status bar I had written: KIDS! Just when you think they have pushed you to the edge they grab a heart string and pull so hard it makes your eyes water.
My son had just ripped my heart out.
He doesn't wanna be my friend anymore. Where did I go wrong I ask myself? Was it spoiling him too much, by buying him that Swimming Action Man when he was five? Could it have been the trip to Disneyland when he as six? Or did it happen later in High School when I insisted on dropping him right at the school gate, whilst blasting Easy Listening music from the car, while I waited until he was safely in the school gate? I just don't know how he could have turned like that.

I'm sure there are distraught parents out there all over the place, aimlessly wondering why their kids have deleted them. Word might get out, they may need MARMOT. And for all you parents of 7 year olds, don't think it won't happen to you. Get your support networks in place NOW! I tell you you are gonna need them! One day they will change, and instead of laughing at your corny joke, it will be met with silence and a curled lip...

Remember you have been warned! Please leave a comment if you are in need of a friendly message from team MARMOT.

A teenage Marmot shortly before it's parents spent $20,000 in Orthodontist treatment

Love is a beautiful thing - Da da dada da - dada...

2009-04-20T14:42:00.005+12:00

Sorry about the terrible singing. I was down in Howick village this morning picking up the photo books that I did on Snapfish, (which turned out brilliantly I might add), and as is usual for me and the kids, we had to pop into Joes Emporium, and the Salvation Army store. I found this piece of fabric in the "Make an Offer" box! The lady suggested $1, and I said yes please, and I got 2 and a bit metres. Now what shall I make? I'm thinking a skirt. Nice simple A line? I'm not sure do you think it might be too much of a statement on the body? Anyway I am really in love with it.

I'm embarrassed to say that I have enough fabric to sink a battle ship, but you know what its like, I just can't pass it by. I saw another piece of nice fabric in the St Vincent De Paul op shop on Saturday, that I didn't buy and then kicked myself.
I also bought some Du Kit which the kids and I have had a bit of fun with this avo. I remember my Mum buying me Fimo, when I was about 11 and off school sick, and I made all manner of brooches and things, and I have been wanting to let the kids have a go at it for ages. (I will post photos soon). Well the junior Buzy's had a great time, creating with this polymer clay, and I even made some little red white and blue buttons. Seeing as though the weather has packed up somewhat, it has been a raging success!
I have been a bit barren in the sewing department, but I did whip up this wheat bag for a friend. It was her birthday on Easter Saturday, but she has been away on holiday. I don't think she reads my blog, so I'm not worried about her seeing this.

I know its not really anything to write home about, but its something I suppose. Oh and I did make the kids quite cute swimming bags, but will have to put a pic of them on when I show you the Du Kit creations.

Easter Blessings

2009-04-12T11:40:00.004+12:00

Its been a good Easter Weekend, all the solemnity of Good Friday, and then Easter Sunday celebrations, with the baptism of a wee girl. Mass was packed to the gunnells this morning, with a lot of singing and clapping. Puts you in a good mood for the day, even if the two rugrats kicked each other and sulked all the way through it!! Can tell its Easter because we just got our first Feijoa off the tree, and the Fig tree is yeilding more fruit everyday, even though the birds are still getting their fair share.

This was before the figs ripened...

Wishing you all a safe and happy Easter Season.

Lets face it

2009-04-07T15:48:00.004+12:00

Its been a wee while since my last post.
The thing is you see, ages ago, I don't even know when, I sort of got this face book account. Did I know what to do with it? No not really. But then one day out of the blue I got this email that said so and so has requested I be her friend on fb (I'm starting to use abbreviations already), and I thought... okaaaay. So I said she could be my friend, which was a bit silly really because she was already my friend, and in fact we were due to have coffee the next day, with a few of our other friends, who also suddenly started sending me fb requests for friendship, which was a bit silly really because we were also... well you get the idea. So after a little while I had a few friends on fb, and then started thinking of people I hadn't seen in ages, and before I knew it I was requesting friends, which was a bit silly because ... okay we won't start that again.
Anyway did you know fb is quite addictive? Just a little bit. and I feel bad because I know my darling sister Lee reads my blogs really regularly (thanks Lee lee) and I think she might have been feeling neglected along with the other thousands of you who read this blog - ahem. So the thing is I have been hanging out at fb for a bit, but I'm back now and it feels quite nice, because I did put some pictures of some of the things I made on my fb page, titled Things I Made, and I got really positive comments, apart from the one from my 20 year old daughter. Her comment was. "Oh God Mother", because her friends can see my pics too. Anyway being the age I am I'm not easily embarrassed anymore, so it didn't worry me, but poor Emma, will have to wait another 20 years before she is not humiliated by her attention seeking Mum. Moving on... I haven't been doing much sewing (hmm I'm in that unmotivated place again, and according to Oprah I think its my hormones but that's another post), but I did get a new do, (another webcam shot) and I will post it here today just so you know I am back, and still with ya...

believe it or not ...

2009-03-16T10:27:00.005+13:00

I actually have done a wee bit of sewing. Don't get too excited though, because I'm not breaking any records here.

These little fellas who have been waiting for ages to be finished.

And these bottle top pin cushions, with a little embroidered seedling. I havent even finished them, but I might do. One day.

See... I told you not to get too excited.

This recession is biting deep...

2009-03-13T14:47:00.003+13:00

Due to the recession in 2009 the government will start deporting all the mentally ill people to save money. I started crying when I thought of you.

Run my crazy little friend, run!

Well, what can I say???
Someone sent it to me, and dammit, I'm NOT going alone!!

Theft Problem - IMPORTANT MESSAGE:

2009-03-11T15:39:00.004+13:00

You've heard about people who have been abducted and had their kidneys removed by black-market organ thieves.
My thighs were stolen from me during the night a few years ago. I went to sleep and woke up with someone else's thighs. It was just that quick. The replacements had the texture of cooked oatmeal. Whose thighs were these and what happened to mine? I spent the entire summer looking for my thighs. Finally, hurt and angry, I resigned myself to living out my life in jeans.
And then the thieves struck again. My butt was next. I knew it was the same gang, because they took pains to match my new rear-end to the thighs they had stuck me with earlier. But my new butt was attached at least three inches lower than my original! I realized I'd have to give up my jeans in favor of long skirts.
Two years ago I realized my arms had been switched. One morning I was fixing my hair and was horrified to see the flesh of my upper arm swing to and fro with the motion of the hairbrush.
This was really getting scary - my body was being replaced one section at a time. What could they do to me next? When my poor neck suddenly disappeared and was replaced with a turkey neck, I decided to tell my story.
Women of the world, wake up and smell the coffee! Those 'plastic' surgeons are using REAL replacement body parts -stolen from you and me! The next time someone you know has something 'lifted', look again - was it lifted from you? THIS IS NOT A HOAX. This is happening to women everywhere every night. WARN YOUR FRIENDS!
P.S. Last year I thought some one had stolen my Boobs. I was lying in bed and they were gone! But when I jumped out of bed, I was relieved to see that they had just been hiding in my armpits as I slept. Now I keep them hidden in my waistband. I thought this was too 'important' not to pass on Have a wonderful day - with a joy filled heart These same thieves come in my closet and shrink my clothes! How do they do it????

You can call me Mrs Busy

2009-03-11T14:30:00.006+13:00

Even with my broken neck. (Weeeell, it feels like it!) I was a parent helper on Anna's school trip to Murphys Bush. I have to say my little group was very well behaved. Maybe they sensed I can be a grumpy parent helper, and probably because Anna has given them the heads up on her mother's short fuse. And what is it about school trips that makes you come home and need a strong cup of tea and a good lie down?
Seriously I do not know how teachers do it. They can't be paid enough so it must be a vocation!

Not Camp Mother or Camp Leader...

2009-03-10T08:01:00.008+13:00

No I am not Camp Mother. Someone has to stay home and look after number 4 child! But yesterday I loosened the apron strings a bit, and waved Nick off from the Hall at Owairoa Primary, as he set off for a week at Camp Raglan. The two older kids who are now nearly 21 and 18 both went, when they were at the school, but I felt a little pang when I waved Nick off. Not that he could care. I made sure I gave him a huge hug and kiss at home, because I know he would have been mortified should I display any outward signs of affection in the school hall! It was a bit of a ruffle of the hair and a "see ya Mate" departure. He hardly acknowledged it!!! But I suppose you have to hang on to every skerrick of credibility when surrounded by 120 of your peers!
He was up and dressed at 6am because:

"Mum, we have to be in the hall NO LATER than 8.15!"

And then because it was a special occasion I let him have a play on the computer, before we left. TV and computers are a no go area on school mornings. Something to do with their brains not switching on properly if they watch TV before school. (I must watch too much TV then!)

So all packed and ready to go....

And just in case...

Really, they should be called Bus Legs!

I then got a call from the school at about 11am saying Anna was feeling sick, so I had to go and pick her up from the sick bay. She does have a cold, and a very blocked nose. But I think it was more of a "Mental Health Issue". She had a bit of a gob on her when we left Nick all excited and in mufti, with a big shiny bus waiting by the school gate to whisk them off for a week of fun and no times tables, so I'm guessing it wasn't all about "The Cold"

I'm am very grateful now that I didn't go to Camp, because I have done something very nasty to my neck, and am currently doing a dodgy looking thunder birds impression, because I have that whole, moving the whole body to turn around thing, going on. Anyway I'm off to try and untangle those strings!

Blog Giveaway - (As long as you don't like gold!!)

2009-02-27T07:54:00.004+13:00

JELLYBELLY*JELLYBRAIN is having a blog giveaway. I'm not going to give away all the details because you are just gonna have to get on over to her blog. I must mention there is a very mysterious condition for entry into the giveaway and it's all to do with the title. Intrigued? As I said get on over there and have a gander!!!

New Bag for an Old Bag!

2009-02-26T16:11:00.005+13:00

Oh boy I went to Karaka yesterday, and popped into thee most divine shop! Along the Karaka Road was an old church which has been converted into an interior design shop. I didn't take my camera (doh!) otherwise I would have posted a pic of it. (Mental note: carry camera at all times!) Anyway this absolutely divinely delicious shop is called Interiors etc and I have fallen in love. It is crammed full of such lovely things, that I am really beginning to resent Mr Busy putting me on a strict budget. (Don't you think budget is a really harsh and cruel sounding word?)
So because I was salivating so much, and possibly under threat of being asked to leave, for causing an OSH hazard, and becoming very annoying with all my exclamations of "Oowaaah isn't that is lovely" every 7 seconds, I threw all caution to the wind, and bought this adorable bag. Actually I bought two, but please don't let on to Mr Busy. Lets just keep it between us eh? He does not understand the whole bag/shoe thing. Seriously he keeps his clothes forever, I'm not joking. He's still got a sweatshirt from 1984. How can I tell I hear your ask disbelievingly? Because that 80's teal colour and the zips all over it really give it away. He's so proud of that sweatshirt. One day its gonna dissappear, and I'm going to blame it on him having a senior moment or something.
So maybe you can understand my cageiness about filling him on every little purchase.
Well I have to say this bag was a steal at $20.00, so I don't think he has got a lot to moan about. Mind you I did buy two the other is in a different colour and am thinking of stocking up for gifts!
I'm going to use this bag for every day, like going down to the shops and things. Why not? I may as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb as my darling late mother used to say. And she would love this bag too!!

Remember that Pay it Forward giveaway thingy?

2009-02-23T10:50:00.003+13:00

These litte fellas will be flying all the way to their new friend(s) at Trying Traditional. They are carrying a little pincushion so I hope their little arms aren't too tired when they get there. And before you all overload the comments (because I get so many... ahem) I realise they don't have any arms. But you know, I like to think of them as having a little bit of magic, which comes in mighty handy for things like Pay it Forwards, giveaway thingys.

Back together

2009-02-18T10:17:00.007+13:00

Mr Busy's tramp went very well and he arrived home safe and sound on Monday night. I would show you a whole slew of pictures, but he had the setting's wrong and had it on video. So he only got a couple of photos and a couple of moving images of the ground and sky, before the batteries could take no more and went flat. Not a lot of places to charge your batteries around the mountains in Nelson.

I think his six days away was tougher than my six days at home.

Ahem ... It's true I think I could be losing the plot...

2009-02-15T14:35:00.007+13:00

If anyone happens to find the plot that I seem to be losing a lot lately, could you hook it up with my memory and just put it in a return envelope? I wrote a really long winded post about how I couldn't show you the top I made. And you got to hear all about what Mr Busy is up to and all that. And do you know I actually did put the photos in to My Pictures, but I don't remember doing it? I seem to be doing a lot of that sort of stuff lately. In my defence, it has been REALLY hot, and then the humidity got in on the act to kind of suck the energy out of everyone. But hey I am not going to complain, because frankly after what the good people of Victoria are going through, I have NO right to moan about anything, and I should be darn grateful for some moisture in the air.
Anyway here is the top that I made...

And here is a photo I took the day before the humidity struck. The sky was that colour all over, as far as the eye could see.
I love the Jonathon Livingstone Seagull feel that this picture has to it.

Now about that top I promised to show you...

2009-02-12T14:03:00.003+13:00

Ah yes. You see I would show you that cute little polka dot top that I made. But here's the thing. Mr Busy woke me yesterday morning as he was jamming dried noodles and scroggin into his backpack and said, "Can I take the camera?" I know. I know not the most romantic of things to wake you up with at 5 in the morning, and frankly nothing is remotely romantic at 5 in the morning, but this is a family show so we might have to save that for another blog! Anyway I sent him on his way with the camera, because - a) I just didn't want to argue that I needed the camera for blog pictures and wot not, and, b) it would have been mean of me not to let him take it. Although for the life of me I don't know how he will get on because he needs instructions to turn the darn thing on. (He is an accountant and can do numbers and budgets and spreadsheets and all manner of what have you to do with making me not spend money, but he is not fantastic with technical things like switching the camera on).
So I made this nice wee top out of very thin polka dot fabric, which is lovely and cool, and I took a photo of it and even put it on a nice padded hanger so it looked really pretty and everything, and then I forgot to get it off the camera and onto my puta. So with the situation being what it is, it will be a bit difficult for me to show you the whole thing. But I did manage to get a photo of a cute little fabric brooch made out of the same fabric, and embellished with a vintage glass button that I got from my mother in law. I left the edges raw which I really quite like, and it looks real purdy on the top that you can't see the picture of yet. A wee word about the top. It is from a gypsy blouse pattern. But I just cut out two fronts, and then threaded a bit of thick ribbon through the neck line. No sleeves or anything, but frankly in this weather who wants sleeves?
Here is the brooch...

and further to my previous post...

2009-02-10T14:46:00.004+13:00

What do you do under such trying circumstances? Get a makeover of course. Its the new do. I'm liking it. Kaz at Sirocco always does a good job.

Kind if behind the ears.

And not behind the ears.

Please keep in mind I had to do this on the webcam because the camera batteries conked out. Also please keep in mind that we are nearly at 100 per cent humidity here, which does NOTHING for trying to keep the straight bits straight. Anyway apart from all that I'm liking the freedom. Got on the new top I made too, which I will post about later.

My husband is leaving me

2009-02-10T09:44:00.013+13:00

I knew it was coming. We both did. The tension here has been increasing daily, but really the decision to go was made sometime ago. I worry about silly things, like will I remember to put the rubbish out, and is this recycling week? What if I have to make a big financial decision. And then there are the kids... I don't really want to think about it too much, it seems too big.

Yes I really hope that tramp is worth it...

Mike and the lads are heading off tomorrow to do the Dragons Teeth, near Nelson. It's their once a year thing, and they just love it.

However it is only for 6 days, and if stinky laundry is the only thing I have to worry about on his return then it can't be all that bad!!!

Did I have ya going there for a minute. Yeah I know. I'm mean eh?!!!!

Be safe you boys...

Tweaking the Bookmark an update on the tutorial

2009-02-06T15:20:00.014+13:00

I did that wee tutorial a couple of posts back, but have tweaked it a bit. However I think I might be getting a bit sick of bookmarks. What about you? Yeah don't blame ya either! Anyway take a gander ...

Fold those ends in like before, but instead of folding in half longways, just press the edges into the middle.

See?

Chuck your ribbon on top, like before, and tuck into the ends.

Now sew your ribbon on. I gave up on the pins because I was getting fed up with them, and they kept warping the ribbon and fabric.

The close up arty shot

Roll credits

THE END

What is it with the wildlife around here?

2009-02-04T12:39:00.008+13:00

This is the laundry door. In itself not very remarkable, although it does feature a cat door. I use this door a lot, because you maybe able to see the clothes line right outside. Very handy being under the deck when its raining, and it gets a nice breeze for drying the clothes and wot not... I bet you are wondering where this is going? Take a good look.

Dya see it yet?

Yep. Mr Spidey, sitting there flexing his big long hairy legs, just waiting for me to hang out the smalls...

Yeah... ha... I bet him and Mr Weta get together and have a good old laugh about it!!!

Fabric bookmark tutorial

2009-02-03T10:42:00.016+13:00

I have been using things like old shopping dockets, or in one instance a toothpick (unused!) for a bookmark. Not ideal really. Especially the toothpick thing, because Iv'e nearly lost an eye a couple of times.
So I figured ... no bookmark and lots of fabric ...

Anyway getting on with it...

Here's what you'll need

Fabric

Iron on fusible interfacing

Ribbon

Buttons or some other embellishment.

Cut your fabric to approximately 42cm x 6cm

(That's about 16" x 2 1/2" in old money!)

Iron on your interfacing, and then turn edges under by about 1/2 cm (1/4").

I find pressing it helps.

and here we are, nice and pressed

Fold your fabric in half longways, trying to match up your sides.

Press. (I'm big on that, because it holds it all together)

Press those two ends in and clip them inwards. So they don't stick out when you sew it up (Sorry about sounding so technical : )

Tuck your ribbon between the two ends, and pin in place.

You could leave strips of ribbon sort of dangling out instead of a little loop if you like. I like the little loop because I can relate to being a bit loopy, and its something to idly twirl around my finger when I'm lost in a darn good chapter.

Here's the famous sewing machine shot. Oh yeah I nearly forgot... sew all around the outside of your now almost completed bookmark. Once you have done that you can sew on some buttons or a bit of a bow or something, and in my book (scuse the pun) it looks like a pretty nice bookmark. I thought perhaps of sewing the buttons on first, because it was tricky trying to not show the thread at the back where the buttons are sewn on, but they would get in the way of the presser foot, depending on where you sew them of course.

I hope you are able to follow my little tutorial. I have a knack of being able to make something really simple sound awfully complicated, so apologies in advance if you think this tutorial is a bit rubbish!!!
Anyhoo, I'm off for a cup of tea and a wee read now ...

Vintage Aprons and some new Fabric

2009-01-30T10:19:00.014+13:00

I knew I couldn't hold on much longer before I had to have my Op Shop fix. And look what I found...
This beautiful linen apron with applique and embroidered detail. I just love it. It's had a bit of a wash and press, and its so nice I want to put it in a frame or something!!

The detail is so fine.

And then this little miss. A cute little gingham number. I do love ginham.

This cool paisly fabric

And a neat table cloth, I love this fabric. Not sure what I will do with them yet!

Spotlight were having a "Clear the Bolt Sale", so I got these.

It would have been rude not to, don't you think?

Yum I can't wait to get into some sewing...

Just don't tell Mr Busy, how I spend our money!!

How sad am I?

2009-01-28T15:29:00.008+13:00

I did a giveaway thingy. Actually it was Pay It Forward, but that's not important right now.
And guess what? I have two comments on that post. Yes people you heard it. Two.
And guess what? One of the comments was mine!!!
How unpopular am I? It just confirms that I'm just not as popular as I think I am. But now its out there in the world in full living colour. Oh the shame of it!! Look don't feel bad that you didn't want to play Pay It Forward with me. Truely I've been used to it from an early age. Like in Standard Three when I would suggest "Tiggy"? Everyone else would go off and play "Whats the Time Mr Wolf"? Or I would bring crochet to school, and then everyone else would be playing marbles. That sort of thing.
I probably cut a bit of a sorry figure in the playground, trying to chuck a tennis ball at non existent opponents, or trying to quickly crochet up a bag of marbles. But that's not important right now.
Having just the one comment does have it's upside though, because it means I only have to make one thing.
And to keep it official please standby for the winner of the PAY IT FORWARD, giveaway thingy, from my previous post...

Duh duh duh duh daaaah daaaaaaa.....

Deanne from Trying Traditional

if you could email me with your contact details, I will get onto it as soon as I can. I have my wonderfully delightful Scottish cousins over in NZ at the moment so the sewing room has been a bit neglected, but it will be in the post as soon as I can humanly make it.

Now do ya wanna play "Bullrush"?

Pay it Forward, Giveaway thingy, whatever you want to call it. Its here...!

2009-01-20T18:35:00.009+13:00

I was over at dearfii, and I got picked! Yaay I got picked!! So it's my turn to PIF. Thats Pay it Forward to those not in the know. I wasn't in the know at first and was getting it all mixed up with a PDF!! But anyhoo, enough about my lack of attention to detail. Here are the rules:
I will make a handmade gift for the first 3 interested people who comment on this post. I have 365 days (ample time) to do it in...You must have a blog to join in and be willing to do the same for three other people...

Please note: I will post internationally!!

I hope I can live up to all these other fabo crafty bloggers. But what the hey, I'm chucking myself in the deep end. So its sink or swim for me!!! Go and tell your friends... Oh yeah and check out Fi's blog, its good! Now, I've gotta go and do some sewing ...

It's a cover up...!

2009-01-18T19:58:00.008+13:00

A yucky chair...

What do you do when you have really yucky plastic chairs, and your'e trying to put on a very nice garden party for your mother in law's 70th birthday? And you remember that you have about 60 metres of cream curtain fabric? And the reason for having 60 metres of curtain fabric is because they were selling it for $1.00 a metre, and it was buy one metre get one free, and you have had it jammed at the top of the wardrobe in the spare room for ages... what do you do?

You cover the chairs...!

And you also make table cloths for the outdoor tables, with little fabric weights in case the wind gets up. (The kids are using the fabric weights as juggling balls, and if I had known it would keep them this happy I would have made them some ages ago!)

A little peek at the colour scheme. A little hint. It involves pink tulle and a gazebo too ...

I hope it doesn't rain!

Get on over to Ric Rac

2009-01-15T16:50:00.002+13:00

Jodie has the cutest funniest post today. See if you can help the girl out... she sounds desperate!

A Random Handy thing

2009-01-15T09:00:00.007+13:00

Browsing through Tipnut, I found this very handy little tutorial for closing a bag without using a bag closer. Go here and find out how!
I didn't do any sewing yesterday because I went to visit my sister Lee, who is doing very well thankyou, and both her and Pauline loved their presents, as per previous posts. But look what Lee bought me for "looking after her". I didn't really a lot of looking after, just drank tea and talked all day!!

A little compact mirror with Swarovski elements.

I love the way the sticker says "Super Perfect" 5x. Im not sure I'm keen on the little sticker that states, for fine details. Because those fine details on my face are not that fine. Anyway I like to think that Lee Lee is telling me that I am Super Perfect!!!

I'm lucky eh!!

A Bag By Any Other Name would be... um

2009-01-13T21:24:00.004+13:00

well it wouldn't be a bag bag and it probably wouldn't even be a makeup bag. But perhaps it could be a Smalls bag. I told you I go crazy once I'm on to something. This time I have made matching Smalls bags for my sisters Pauline and Lee. Lee as I said in my previous post travels a lot with her job, and Pauline and her husband Ted, well they just travel. Because they like to. And good on them I say. I just wish they would let me carry their passports. Anyway I made these for them, for their smalls, whilst they are away. I love that word for your knickers and wot not. Smalls. So old fashioned and kind sounding...

I cracked on with the embroidery thingy on my machine, and it came out okay. I could probably do with a bit more practice, but that I actually managed to programme in a whole world was a small miracle in itself!

A little footnote. I was making excuses that the photos were very dim, and my camera was playing up. The reason. Erm it was on a moonlight setting! nothing to do with me. I think a big kid did it and then ran away...!

A Makeup Bag

2009-01-13T13:15:00.007+13:00

First a bag bag, and now a makeup bag. This is for my sister Lee. She is having a wee eye op today, and I hope she is okay. She does a lot of travelling with her job, and when I said I can do bag bags, or a makeup (type) bags, she said Yaay, because she doesnt have one and throws her mascara and wot not in her handbag. That will never do I cried, and thanks to this, I am able to make all manner of little bags with zips. Im lovin zips at the moment, because I have been phobic about them, until this little tutorial.
Anyway Lee Lee I hope you are all okay and I will be around tomorrow to make sure you dont bump into any walls!!

Once again apologies for bad quality of photo. Im sure there is something going on with my camera, because they are looking very dark and dim photos just lately. Nothing to do with my skills or anything. (mmmm hmm?)

Bedroom makeover

2009-01-11T15:13:00.008+13:00

This was the colour scheme before I decided I was getting a bit sick of orangy tones. I originally covered our headboard in a lovely oak fabric, and I have loved it, but its been about 4 or 5 years now, and a change is as good as a rest, so I thought a duck eggy colour might be nice and restful, and the floral fabric in the pillows I picked up at Spotlight quite cheap. I love cheap (not nasty, just cheap!). We pinched the little used chair from Anna's room (it doesn't go with her colour scheme anyway) and away I went. So I made some cushions with zips in them and everything! They made up like a dream. I love it when that happens. The lace looking cushion is from a sample piece of fabric. So now I have to redo the big canvas by the bed and it's pretty much a done deal. Now... how can I convince Mike that the chilli coloured sofa's in the upstairs lounge are due for a makeover... Suggestions on the back of a postcard please!!!

The light is terrible so I apologise for bad quality. And I am probably rubbish at taking good craft photos anyway.

Giveaway thingys...?

2009-01-10T20:41:00.004+13:00

Can anyone tell me if there is some sort of protocol with the whole Giveaway thingy? Like if I wanted to do a Giveaway thingy, do I have to follow some sort of rules? Lots of bloggy people do Giveaway thingys and I think it's a nice kind of thingy. You know... pay it forward sort of th... um I'll try not to say thingy again. Its one of those words that covers a multitude of unknown um... thingys.
I shall be quiet now and standby for further instructions. :0 )

Old Bag, Bag Bag, Bag Holder

2009-01-09T16:05:00.006+13:00

Whatever you call it I made one. Here is the story...
I wanted to make one just like this, that my friend Tanya gave me for Christmas (with matching Apron!!) for my sister Pauline who sadly, has never owned a bag bag (thats what I call them)

and it turned out like this...

Ahem... yes I agree.

A very dismal effort indeed, and one I am rather embarrassed to send out to blogland. I just got all excited and started chopping and sewing without really thinking about it. I am quite impulsive at times and impatience often springs to mind when describing my character... anyway back to the story.

So I went for a simplified version, but I think this butcher stripe type fabric really makes it quite hip and funky (these aren't words I bandy about very often so excuse me trying to sound all... well ... hip and funky)

In my defence the photos don't do them justice, any of them. Except perhaps the one that didn't really work out. That one has come out so much better in the photo. Whats that all about?

Look what the cat dragged in...

2009-01-09T15:15:00.007+13:00

For any of you Kiwis overseas in case your'e homesick or anything. We seem to find one of these a night. Usually somewhere near the cat door. Sometimes they are deceased but often alive! Our wee darling Cleo is a little cat so perhaps these are all she can handle, although we have had a bird and a mouse, but these seem to be her prey of choice at this time of the year.

Say hello to MR WETA!

And for any of you bloggers out there that are unfamiliar with NZ wildlife, I reckon this is as scary as it gets.
And to give you some perspective here is my big tall and brave 17 year old son Matthew holding one of the victims. This one? Deceased unfortunately. Or fortunately depending on where you stand with creepy crawlies. Me? I don't like standing anywhere near them frankly.

And here is Cleo...

Ahhh Bless..

Simplicity is a wrap around Skirt

2009-01-08T11:14:00.008+13:00

I have a thing for 50's and 60's stuff, and 70's too if the truth is known. I found this pattern a while back at my favourite Op Shop. I just cannot go for long without having a browse around there. Anyway I made this skirt a while back in a Poppy floral fabric that I loved, (you may see a peek of it beside me in the photo) and it has been so cool and comfy, I brought out of hiding some more favourtie fabric, and made another one!!! It would probably have only taken me an hour or so to make, but with all the interuptions - phone calls/kids asking for food/daughter asking for sewing lesson/having to go into Howick village to the haberdashery shop for bias binding - that sort of thing, its taken me the best part of a very sunny day. But hey high tide isn't till 5.00 and there is left overs in the fridge so its a win win situation!!!

I did have to stand on the edge of the bath for this photo, and lets face it, its not very professional, but I hope your'e getting the idea here folks!

Our new addition has a name!

2009-01-06T19:14:00.014+13:00

Ready for it? After much thought, and some input from you out there... well Joanna I have decided to call Brother NX400...

BILLY!!!!

It had to be, as Joanna from Applique Today suggested... Brother Billy... mmmhmm quite cute. Then she said her Dad's name is Bill... Mmmm. And then thats a bit spooky because my Dad's name was William, and about a week or so before Christmas I got a funny email saying someone thought they might be related to me. Yeah right I thought, you and every other Nigerian scammer, trying to get your hands on my millions (of cents). But then I read on and yes in fact this lady from Australia is in fact related to me, and she didnt ask for my bank account number or anything! It turns out that we are FIRST cousins, and we had no idea each of our families existed. Its a very long and interesting story about 3 brothers, one of whom was my father. He was in the Merchant Navy and jumped ship in Wellington and joined the NZ army (before WWII) then went to London married my mother and they both moved back to NZ. My father never spoke of his family. (Terrible upbringing), and never saw or contacted his brothers again. One of the brothers went to Australia and the other stayed in the UK. They all died not knowing where the others were. Then Marie in Australia and Peter in the UK, found each other, and after searching solidly for about 5 years found us. It was her last ditch attempt to find out what happened to my father, and it was a fantastic outcome. There is a lot more to this story and we are finally finding our ancestory so I couldn't be happier. Sadly my darling mum is not here to know we are all found but I think she and my dad may be smiling down from where they are....

Fabric Giveaway

2009-01-06T07:32:00.007+13:00

Hey get on over to jellybelly*jellybrain
She is having a fabric giveaway. Leave a comment and you are in the draw. She has a fabo blog. This is my 2nd attempt to get the link thingy working, so good luck with it!!

Oh brother footnote

2009-01-04T07:57:00.003+13:00

I should have mentioned that the fabric basket was from the Pink Penguin tutorial. I'm trying to work out that whole link thing to other blogs in my Posts, but I get my knickers in a right knot, and then have to go and cook the dinner or something equally annoyingly interfering!!!
Anyway thank you PINK PENGUIN for a fabo tutorial!