Stitches and Craft Show.........again

Charlotte and I went back to the Stitches and Craft show again today and we were lucky enough to meet some more fabulous bloggers. First up was Fiona from Dear Fii fame and I must say she was as lovely in real life as she is on her blog. Charlotte was very lucky and received a wonderful softie from her and then while I was over chatting to the wonderful Justine from 62 Cherry and of course Mixtape fame, Fi helped Charlotte make her own button bracelet.

Here are the girls with the lovely softie from Fi

Luckily Fi is bringing out a pattern this year so I can make one for Lucy

Charlotte's bracelet perfectly matched her outfit

While Fi and Charlotte finished the bracelet I popped over to Nicole Mallalieu to get a purse frame kit. It wasn't until later I saw it had a 3 flower rating so I hope I can master it.

I was surveyed on the way out and gave the Living Creatively area a big plug telling them it was the best thing about the show. I think we might even have to make a trip to Melbourne next year.

Summer Loving

I can feel it in the air today summer is coming, ok well spring at least. After a few bad weather days we ventured outside today to blow some bubbles, splash in water and eat some juicy strawberries. I bought this pattern from Etsy the other day (although I got it in the 6 months - 4 years size). I made it up in some spare fabric I had floating around so I could check the sizes. It was super easy to make and I can see the girls wearing this style throughout summer as it can be made in good fabric for going out and in other fabric for playing around the house or popping on over their swimmers. I left the elastic out of the arms because my girls don't seem to like that. Charlotte's is a little short because I ran out of fabric but I was really just wanting to check the size because I had to enlarge the pattern for her. Both of these are made from vintage sheets I had lying around. I've got some lovely fabrics calling out to be made into these dresses.


Bring on Summer

P.S. I'll be back later for This is... I'm finally getting back into it but picking my favourite childhood book is going to be hard!

Stitches and Craft Show

I had a lovely day yesterday with Ingrid at the Stitches and Craft Show. In amongst the many scrapbooking stalls we managed to find some fabric.

We also spent quite a bit of time in the Living Creatively area meeting some great bloggers and of course making some purchases. I fell in love with Kristen's bird fabric as soon as she talked about it so I knew I had to get some.

I didn't manage to get the one thing I wanted a bias tape maker but after dropping Ingrid home I popped into Lincraft and got an el cheapo version and spent last night making bias tape.

Also in the mail yesterday was my VIP package from Amitie.

Kids Swap

To Apryl, thank you for the parcel. It had a lot of things that I like. Thank you for the parcel. I'm the luckiest girl in the world - Charlotte. (All done by Charlotte, typing included, it took a little while)

As Charlotte has said she received a wonderful parcel today as part of this kid swap. Our swap partner was the lovely Apyrl from Meridian Ariel. We got home from school today and Charlotte nearly burst at the seams when she saw she had mail. This is what was inside the package (excuse thee hastily taken photos, I had to snap them before she scooped everything up and ran into her bedroom)

These 2 gorgeous tank tops with drawings on them

Two vintage books which Charlotte is going to read tonight. I have told her they go on the special book shelf out of Lucy's reach.

A letter writing set

A moleskin with illustrated front and back cover

These great altered vintage book pages that we are going to frame

Some great peg dolls with painted features, 2 bracelets and also some strawberry and white chocolate buttons (which the kids have just had some of for dessert - yum)

Apryl was also kind enough to include something for me. This wonderful bracelet which fits perfectly. Thanks again both to Apryl and Chole for organising this swap.

Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek at some gifts on their way tonight to these two ladies

Don't worry Tanya yours is coming I just need to get one of these gadgets to finish it off.

Tree of Happiness

I have been tagged by Ingrid for the Tree of Happiness Award. So now I get to share six things that make me happy and then tag six more people for the award who will do the same.

So here goes

1. Hugs and kisses from my girls. I've got one who gives them all the time and one who is a bit more selective.
2. All the new friends I have made since I started sewing 2 years ago. The support and friendship from people across the country and even around the world is incredible.
3. Books, books and more books. I love reading and I have to read every night before I go to sleep no matter how tired I am. Even if I've had a big night I still have to read (although this doesn't happen very often any more)
4. Making things for people. I love gift giving.
5. I love desserts and sweet things. I even check out the dessert menu first at a restaurant to see how much room I should leave.
6. My wonderful partner. I never thought 7 years ago we would be in a relationship together let alone have two wonderful daughters.

I tag these great ladies

Adds - a great quilter and a great friend
Jodie a fantastic doll maker and a lovely blogger
Apryl - a new blog for me, found via a Kid Swap (that's something for the kids not swapping our kids)
Novy - one of my sewing friends who makes gorgeous outfits for both her kids
Natalie - I had to include Natalie because she made a wonderful bracelet my family gave me for my birthday
Hollie - because I just had to give her another plug for the great wallets she makes, check them out

No pressure girls reply if you feel like it

I had a very exciting afternoon today as I popped over to visit Corrie and the twins in hospital. They are even more gorgeous in real life and I even got to have a little cuddle with the beautiful Miss Tilly. Corrie is looking fantastic and the twins are being good little bubbas for her.

I also delivered some gifts for the twins which I can now finally show. I made them both play quilts and a rabbit each, the same but different.

George and Posy the rabbits. This time made with my new favourite fabric - wool flannel

A play quilt for Miss Tilly

A play quilt for Mr Finn

I used the same fabrics except in the corners of Finn's I had to use the backing fabric as I was short 4 squares.

I had to retake the quilt photos the other day because the first time I took the photos Lucy decided to get in on the action and of course the next time I took them it was overcast.

I have to apologise too for my lack of comments on blogs recently. I usually do a blog lines check at work but lately my work computer has been ultra slow and hasn't been letting me get into individual blogs. So I am still reading them I just can't get in to comment, sorry.

Kids Swap

It's been swap city here at Snailblazer lately. Along with the Cupcake Swap I mentioned yesterday I also participated in a Kids Swap over at Mee Crafty and my partner was Apryl, well actually Harrison Apryl's son. I always find boy things difficult to make having two girls so it was a bit of a challenge. My swap package has now been received so I can reveal what I made.

Skippy the bush kangaroo

Soccer satchel bag - kid size

Train pencil case and recycled vintage book notepad

Superhero cape

For Apryl a reversible "Grab It & Go" bag

Cupcake and Tea Swap

I recently participated in a Cupcake and Tea Swap over at Rachel Rabbit and I got home from work today to find a HUGE parcel from the UK waiting for me. My swap partner Emma from Jellybelly-Jellybrain totally spoilt me, there were so many packages to open I didn't know where to start.

Cupcake cushion (claimed by Lucy)

A lovely tea cup

Two pin cushions (although Charlotte is claiming them as pretend food)

A Cupcake candle

A time for tea hanger

A great apron which I am already planning to wear at the Pink Ribbon market

A cute little bag tag (claimed by Charlotte for her school bag)

An iron-on patch, a hairclip (already in Charlotte's hair) and a brooch Charlotte is planning to wear to a party this weekend

A framed cupcake

A lavendar satchet and a cute little cupcake for my crocs

There was also a lovely crockery cupcake holder but unfortunately it didn't make the trip but I think I can rescue it with some super glue.

Thanks again Emma!

And the winner is..................

drum roll ....................................................................... Tanya. Congratulations a lovely package will be heading your way soon. I already have your address from the box swap. A special little something will also be heading to Curlypops and Cosy for their links to my giveaway, thanks girls (Cosy can you drop me an email with your address please).

Thanks to everyone for dropping by and saying hi, I have some new blogs to add to my growing bloglines list now.

I had a lovely package arrive in the mail today. I purchased a new wallet from Hollie of Hokey fame. I needed a smaller size for when I used my "grab it and go bag" and after checking out a few on etsy I contacted Hollie and she made a smaller size for me.


She also included one of her beautiful bird brooches which Charlotte has now nabbed so not sure if I will get it back. You don't get this kind of service with a large chain and that's why I love buying handmade.

If you need a new wallet make sure you check Hollie's things out.

Recently one of my on-line friends Karen had a baby. I completed this play quilt a while ago and now it has been received I can finally show it. I was praying it would be a girl and if you head over to Karen's blog you can see some lovely pictures of little Georgia.


I also made Lilac the rabbit from some chenille and vintage fabric.

Don't forget to comment to go in the draw for my little prize