Winter beach walks

So far it has been a cold and wet winter. Perfect for so many of the things that I love to indulge in (and the garden is certainly loving it all!).
This weekend brought a respite from the rain, so we made the most it and headed for a walk along the beach (actually I'm walking nearly everyday, and it certainly is helping to blow the cobwebs away).

Definitely a favourite pastime of mine in winter. Getting all rugged up and walking along the shore, I find is such an invigorating and mind clearing experience. Regardless of whatever mood I'm in, I never cease to come away without having some better sense of calm and perspective.

This post's photos were taken at Nutgrove Beach, not our local, but less than a 10 minute drive from home.
(I had to include one of the sky ~ a beautiful azure).

A winter break

A two week trip to Darwin, in Australia's Northern Territory saw me have a rare mini break catching up with my family back at our Parents home. It's not often that we get the chance to have us all back together (Dad, Mum & us four children). It's such a precious time for me, and I really cherish it. Also great for my boy to catch up with his cousins and be spoilt by our family.

Of course it is much warmer in that corner of Australia, but the tropical 'winter' was a chance to shed some clothes and enjoy the differences between our two cities.

The trip back took longer than expected having flight delays, thus causing us to miss the connecting flight back to Hobart. Still, the teenager and I got home yesterday and are now resting and getting back into the swing of things.

In one regard it feels like the two weeks just flew by, but in the next breath I feel as if I've been away for ages!

A big thanks for the comments left, I have a lot of blog 'catching up' to do and send all my friends and visitors a big hello.

Take care...

A walk in the park

Today my beloved and I got rugged up and headed out towards the city...just for a little escape and to indulge me in this special time of the year.
Our destination was St David's Park. Originally Hobart's first cemetery.
We stopped at a favourite deli and patisserie for some delicious food and a couple of hot drinks to take with us, and soon were sitting enjoying each others company and our surrounds in this peaceful place. A slow meander, and then back home.
The boys were out; my stepson at the V8's racing up North and my son at his casual place of work.

Later in the afternoon, I prepared a lasagne for dinner and whilst that was cooking, I had some fun poking through a whole lot of old buttons Mark's Mum gave me. Lot's of little beauties in this pile!

Autumn in the garden

(Very) late Autumn in the garden, and I've spent a bit of time out there today weeding, as the ground is so soft from the rain. Mark joined me and we managed to get quite a bit done up the front. He cut a huge bunch of yellow 'kangaroo paw' from one of his many bushes, and I've put them in a vase. I think they're such an unusual flower, but he loves them and has quite a collection growing...yellow, pink, red and green (which is such an amazing colour).

Just before we came inside, I did some sweeping of the garden paths and was caught by the beautiful Autumnal colours that seem to be everywhere. Soon though everything will look very bare, but even in that I find such beauty. I had to take some photos, just to capture this fleeting time. The above photo is of 'kangaroo paw' in an old green garden pail before I brought them inside.

It's been 'good' for me coming back to my blog...somehow it helps me to reflect, and connect (and reconnect) with others. Thanks for your comments, they are all appreciated so much!

A funny old week

Well another week is coming to an end. Late Friday afternoon and I'm just about to head off to start preparing our dinner. Chicken & vegetables with Singapore noodles. Filling and warm and will be perfect for my hungry lot on this cold and wet winter's evening.

It's been wet most of the day, perfect for staying indoors and to be honest, apart from a huge pile of ironing I finished and a quick trip to the butcher and post office, haven't really done much apart from mooch around. My sinus headache hasn't helped.

Still, it will be nice to sit down after dinner and relax heading into the weekend...the fire has been lit and the curtains drawn, candles are giving the living room a warm and cosy glow with their flickering light...ahhhh...

Happy weekend to all!

Not gone

(another finished lot of owl softies)

(glorious Autumn outside, lots of golden leaves)

(a bunch of flowers for Mother's Day, from my in-laws)

Hello. Due to life being rather hectic around here currently, and as is very evident, I haven't been around much.
I need to focus and catch my breath, but must say that I miss my blog and documenting the little things of my daily life, which really help to keep it all in perspective.
I will say that really, all is okay...just a bumpy time being had. No time to wallow and as the sun is shining, I'm off to hang another load of washing to dry in the sunshine.

Wishing all a happy week!

flat. chat.

Hello.

It's been a while, hasn't it?
I hope you all had a Happy Easter.
In regards to some of what I have been up to, I will let the pictures do the talking.
Ciao!

but wait, there's more!

Just when you thought it was safe to pop on over, another post with pouches appears. Apologies for the pouch invasion, but hey, I have been busy and I thought I'd make the most of it, before another sewing 'dry spell' arrives. This foursome have flat bases, and are extra roomy. Great for any number of things.

They'll be available at the Poppy Lane Shop today.
Making all these pouches has been perfect for using up reasonably small pieces from my fabric stash, which had been bursting at the seems.
Seems like I might have an excuse to start looking to replenish it somewhat!

Footnote:

This is a good little tutorial for inserting zips.

zipping right along

Some more sewing has been happening within my studio, keeping me very happy. Lately it's been little zipper pouches, which at this very moment in time look like they have a very strong chance of taking over the place!

This lot are lined and also have a light cotton batting, making them durable, yet still lovely and soft.
It's still hard to believe that I thought (not too long ago), that I wouldn't be able to sew in a zipper, and to actually enjoy it enough to repeat the process, well....what can I say, if I can do it anyone can!

after the rain

Around midnight last night a spectacular but rare electrical storm lit up the night sky. It brought with it much needed rain, which continued through the night and into this morning. I'm sure I can hear the garden sighing in huge relief!

Upon returning home from dropping my son off at the school bus stop, it was time for some toast and a cuppa, whilst doing the laundry and a quick tidy up. In what seemed like an instance the clouds parted and the sun shone down, giving everything below it a bright and cheery 'good morning'.

Sheer delight. Soon, time for a stint in my little studio. Today I was in the mood for some 'rummaging' through my collection of old trims, lace, buttons and bows.

I love how they all look placed almost randomly, coming together to create a little patch of beauty amongst the daily routine of my Tuesday.

The rain has returned, and I'd say it's almost time for another cuppa.

some sewing

Beginning to feel more crafty (the good type) these last few days, I've burrowed myself away in my sewing room and enjoyed the process and finished results of these pouch/wallets.

It's always fun to mix and match fabric. In a way it's a form of colour therapy, and I always feel good after a 'session'.
This lot are a simple design I made. They've been interfaced with cotton batting and have snap closures, and I added the removeable patchy fabric pins for a whimsical touch.
They're a nice size, able to easily fit a mobile phone, keys, cash, cards, lippy and comb. Or great for all those loose bits and pieces that roll around in the bottom of a bag!
I'll definitely be making more, along with finishing a pile of softies that are currently a work in progress.
Happy weekend, friends ....

photo games

The very talented Mich has me tagged!
I must be the world's worst blogger to tag. Seriously, the amount of times I have been tagged, but have never got around to playing, are embarrassingly many!

This one is easy peasy, so I'm going to play.
The rules are that you must go to your computer photo files, find the 6th folder, and the 6th photo in it must be displayed and written about. Then tag 6 more people to do the same.

My actual 6th photo on this computer, is the top picture of this post.
The fabrics looks so delicious that I posted a couple more because I'm a fabric addict!
This pile of gorgeousness was purchased sometime last year, and has been washed and used for various items since then, mainly my notepad covers & softies.

I now tag: Black Eyed Susie, Patch Andi, willywagtail, A Thing For Sewing, Little Patch Of Heaven, katiecrackernuts

My heartfelt sympathies to the loving family and friends of Marty, who passed away in the devastating Victorian bushfires.

I have no words, just sorrow for those who have lost their beloved in such tragic circumstances.

Rest In Peace.

a little bit of love, goes a long way

Belated Valentine's Day wishes to each and every one of you.
May love, in whatever form it is, be present in your lives and hearts each and every day.
Keep it close and cherish it.

Just another short and sweet post. My mind and heart are heavy and so overwhelmed by the tragedy that has affected so many in the state of Victoria. Stories that go far beyond my comprehension, and leave me so lost for words.

Still, this is the time when we band together as fellow Australians, and do whatever we can to help our neighbours in need. Makes me so proud.

Happy week to you...love, Kali xo

devastation

(trees, looking like burnt matches, show the fury of the fire. Picture: Mark Smith)

Australia is in mourning after the devastating and tragic loss of lives, homes, properties and communities in the state of Victoria, these last couple of days.

News.com.au photo gallery

I'm so saddened and shocked, and my heart goes out to all that have been affected by this tragedy.

So far, in what has been described as the worst bushfires in Australia's history, there have been 126 lives lost; 750 homes lost. Authorities have warned of the death toll rising.

Please note:
The following contact number and link for the official Australian Red Cross Appeal, is below if you are able to offer a donation to the bushfire victims.
Phone: 1800 811 700
Australian Red Cross

I also believe that most banks are accepting donations as are Bunnings stores.

some sewing, the garden and a kayak

Hello my Poppies, hope you're all well and finding joy in your everydayness!
I am feeling more like my old self, and am slowly but surely regaining my creative jive.

The hot weather hasn't been that conducive to spending much time in my tiny studio. But I have managed to steal away some time and make a medium sized clutch.
It is lined and has a magnetic snap closure internally. It was quite plain so I made a small flower using some lace and a faux pearl heart button for the front. It's not too big or small, and I think I might whip up some more of these in various fabrics.



The garden has been feeling the heat too, but thankfully Summer time has been very productive in the vegetable garden, and we are enjoying the harvest of delicious fruit and vegies...yum!
Speaking of hot weather, Mr Poppy treated himself to a new kayak, and we have spent some time testing it out (well, he has and I've gone with him to enjoy the great outdoors). Living on this beautiful island we are surrounded by so much water, and are lucky enough to see the sea and beach from our home...so it was only a matter of time before he bought himself one.
Honestly, I can't see myself being brave enough to take to the waters in one anytime soon!

summer moments at home

a snapshot of some moments, from a typical hot Summer's day at home ....
unmade beds;
daisies;
afternoon tea under the shade of a tree;
sitting on the garden steps;
wilting petunias;
kittens playing

i'll be back soon.
xo, Kali

reflection

Losing my desire to create has left me feeling rather washed out and flat. I don't doubt that it's only a temporary situation, and the slump will slowly but surely disappear, replaced with new vigour and ideas.

It's Summer time and I'm making the most of the warm weather and laid back days.
Reading the comments left on my previous post has given me a boost and reminded me that situations never stay the same. Thank You!

Time marches on regardless, and time can do so much.

Happy times to you and yours,

xo ~ Kali

happy new 2009

phew!....
attempting to write this first post for 2009 is as hard as I anticipated.
I have nothing cute, cuddly or creative to show and share.

Rather just wanted to pop in and wish you all a healthy and happy 2009.

You see my dear Poppies, this Christmas / New Year period has been rather full-on. And that I can assure you is putting it mildly.
Yes, there is the usual craziness that is inevitable at this time of the year...shopping, cleaning, cooking and generally running around like a headless chicken ~ trying to create the 'feeling' and 'experience' that I feel we've been kind of duped into, by certain powers that be.
Still, that is all fine, heck creating our own traditions at this time of the year is often a good thing ~ and certainly not what I'm talking about here.

Apologies, if you are still reading at this point and scratching your head.
I shall continue.

Unexpectedly, we've just experienced a Christmas time, that has been both terrible and wonderful. Unfortunately the bad part of it has certainly tainted the overall thing, but we both refuse to let it affect us more than it has.
It's not my place to go into specifics here. Both good and bad things are in relation to family, and that kind of makes it even more ironic.
It was such an eagerly anticipated period...
So much planning, preparations and anticipation. We were all looking forward to catching up with loved ones and in the end, an incident on Christmas Day has left us in a spin.
We've had visitors from interstate and overseas and where one was such good fun and wonderful...the other situation has left both of us very shocked, saddened and disappointed.
We just got on with things as best we could and thankfully, as things are slowly getting back to normal here in our own home and routines, we both can start processing it all. It's been hardest on my darling, and this time, I have had to be the support for him.

In the aftermath I developed a shocking cold which has lingered and then to top it off, an outbreak of 4 cold sores on my top lip...they were horrendous and the pain, awful.

Finally they've healed.

So on that note, thanks for letting me attempt to get some of what has been happening with me 'out'. I'm feeling rather 'tired', and am going to try and treat myself with some kindness.
Afterall my dear friends, we all certainly can do with sharing more of that with each other.

until soon,
xo ~ Kali

featured

I'm thrilled to have Poppy Lane etsy store featured on Handmade Kids!

This is a fabulous site showcasing some wonderful handmade items for kids.

Jemma is the owner of Handmade Kids and has this to say:

"Welcome to Handmade Kids the place to come when looking for
fabulous funky finds for children.
I have a passion for beautiful items for
my children and Australia has a wealth of amazing creators and I wish to
showcase some of this fantastic talent. I hope you enjoy discovering handmade
quality items along with me."

I highly recommend a visit. There is so much to see and discover!

december 1st

(Another) quick post and run.
All's well in my little corner of the island. Today being the 1st of December, I will put up the Christmas Tree and decorations. Am I really in the mood? Honestly, no. Sadly I am lacking in the Christmas excitement this year. I have actually being ignoring the fact that it is getting closer and closer...
Hopefully the decorating will get me more in the mood. We'll see.
I have been busy in my sewing room though. I've been on a roll and I love the feeling.
Some picture of my creations.

Happy December Everyone !

xo, Kali

bad, bad blogger

I'm glad you're sitting down, especially at the shock of seeing this post.
Yes, it has been ages, and I'm such a naughty little blogger.

Excuses? Reasons? The fact of the matter is that I didn't fall down a big black hole, or get abducted by aliens. Nothing that exciting!
I'm just like the next person...busy with life's ups and downs, and just trying to get on with every thing. Making the most of all I can, as best I can.
Blogging has unfortunately fallen to the bottom of the to-do-list, which can't be helped. Plus I have become rather sick of the sound of my own typing.

I am happy to say that my back pain has diminished and improved markedly. Yay indeed.
Christmas is just around the corner and this year we are expecting visits from my step daughter and partner from Perth, and Mark's step sister and family from the United Kingdom. Also tentatively booked in for the new year is my brother and his family!
It's going to be a busy time, and the remaining weeks are sure to fly by. There is heaps to do and organise, and am looking forward to seeing everyone.

Just touching on some of the happenings here lately:
Mark has bronchitis;
A car came smashing through our fence and luckily swerved away from the house but hit my stepson's car;
New white picket fence has been painted and erected;
Teenage son has started his first ever part time job, and my taxi service has increased.
I have been busy in my sewing room adding things to my Etsy shoppe;
I have a Christmas Swap I need to complete and send off to my delightful partner Ginny in the UK;
The vegetable garden has been rewarding us with delicious organic produce including: spinach, red onions, garlic, cauliflower, lettuce.

and weeds;
5 olive trees have been planted;
The roses are blooming, and I have cut blooms in jam jars scattered throughout the house.

Thanks for hanging around and taking the time to comment and email ~ you girls are the best!

it's been how long ?!

*tip-toes quietly around* .... hi all!

my apologies all 'round for my unexplained absence.

long story short, i have managed to cause myself an injury to my lower back which has caused me to endure some rather painful days and nights! it's slowly but surely coming good, but i have been unable to sit for long periods as this causes my back to seize up even more and the result is me hunched over when i try to get up and walk around. the world doesn't stop, so i've had to get on as best i can and keep things going around here as normal as possible...i've been doing as much as i can, albeit a lot slower!computer time has been cut back drastically and unfortunately the sewing as well, but i have managed some...i've had to for my own sanity. you now what i mean, i'm sure.

the results are another finished quilted notepad holder and a zippered sewing pouch which includes a matching pin cushion and covered retractable tape measure. i'm convinced that creating away in my sewing room is my 'therapy'.i've been wondering how everyone has been and what they're up to in 'blogland'. it will be a while before i can start to get around with catching up, but i will get there.
also before i go, i would like to thank you all for your comments and messages ~ each and every one is appreciated and welcomed.
xo, kali

fabric & books
(my weaknesses)

new fabric from the little fabric shop, in the UK.
i blame the charming and deliciously colourful ms lucy, who made tempted me!
if you hurry over, i think that they still might have a sale on.
and some new sewing books too...well, i'm pleased with all this lot and have lots to get on with!

basil & sun dried tomato muffins

I couldn't resist joining in withPip, over at Mikes, for A Week of Picnics, hosted by Mc Cranky!
These savoury muffins go down a treat when packing a picnic, so i thought i'd share.
3 cups self raising flour (sifted)
1/2 cup roughly torn basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons sugar
freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup salad oil
1 egg, beaten
1 1/4 cups milk
Combine the first five ingredients. Beat oil, egg and milk together and pour over dry ingredients. Stir just enough to dampen the dry ingredients, spoon into well-greased muffin pans. Bake 18-20 minutes at 200 degrees celsius or until well risen and brown. Makes 1 dozen....ENJOY!

vintage hexagons

the 'thrifting' lucky stars shone on me this weekend.
i was so pleased when i came across this very beautiful silk piece of fabric appliqued with cotton hexagons. i knew i wanted to have it the moment i lay my eyes on it, and was so surprised and thrilled when i was told that it was only $3.00!
the garage sale guy who sold it, told me that it was made for him at his birth, and that he'd held onto it until now... i wanted to convince him not to sell it ... to hold onto it, as it had such worth sentimentally. but somehow i think he would have thought i was a mad woman. instead i told him that i was so happy to have it and that i really appreciated its beauty, provenance, and the work that had gone into creating it. i then thanked him as i clutched it close and brought it to its new home.

after a soak in napisan, i hung it out to dry in the fresh air and sunshine.
today i admired it hanging off the wooden fence, out my kitchen window.
i kept admiring its beauty, and pondered on the lady who created it about fifty years ago.
xo, kali

a fabric scarf

i'm running late for my post today, but still have just over an hour to post before midnight. i am trying to keep to my blogtoberfest challenge.
i would have posted earlier but after our sunday roast dinner, i finished doing the dishes and cleaned the kitchen.
the mister mentioned that Becoming Jane was about to start, and i just couldn't resist. i'm so glad i watched it.
my photos though have nothing to do with the movie, but of the scarf i sewed this afternoon. i used a soft pink on one side, a floral on chocolate fabric on the other, and white cotton lace on the ends.
as i was busy creating, it occurred to me that the reason i enjoy sewing so much is that it's the whole process that appeals to me...yes, okay not the mistakes and the unpicking, which i'm pleased to say are becoming less with the more i create, but all the rest of it. especially the choice of fabric; the sound and feel of scissors cutting through fabric; the sewing machine in motion and that moment of anticipation when it's all finished, threads clipped, pressed and admired.
i find it all so satisfying.

time for me to go to bed, so on that note...good night & sweet dreams.

xo, kali

sewing tutorial
:: fabric flower bowls ::

I've been wanting to do a sewing tutorial for ages; but for one reason or another, i've never got past my to do list.
these little fabric bowls are great and even more so as they are quick to make and only use small pieces of fabric. i use these in my sewing studio/office for paper clips, buttons, rubber bands. the choice is yours!
this is my first tutorial and i do not profess to being very good at describing things, so please read all the instructions first. copy template and enlarge flower to about 14cm (5 1/2") across the widest parts. cut out.

cut out 2 pieces of fabric about 20cm x 20cm (8" x 8").
1 piece of fabric interfacing (optional).

if you are using iron on interfacing (i have making these), using the manufacturers instructions press it onto the wrong side of the outer fabric.

place fabric pieces together, right sides facing and pin template on.

using a small stitch sew all around the flower shaped template, very close to the edge. leave an opening in one petal as shown on markers above, to turn out.

remove template and trim off excess fabric. using scissors clip at the point where petals meet, being careful not to clip into sewing.

carefully turn the right side out through the opening, then using something long and pointy like a knitting needle or a chop stick, gently push out the rounded seams. press.

hand stitch opening closed.

now we are going to create the bowl shape.
at each point where the petals meet (5 positions); you need to do this :: fold flower, making sure that the outer fabric is on the inside.

hand sew the corners of the petals together, at a point about 3mm (1/8") in from the fold and down from the top. making 3 or 4 tight stitches. secure.

this is how they're joined. keep going until the five points around the petals are done.

this is how it looks when all five petals have been stitched together.

now tip bowl over and push the inner fabric into the bowl shape so it looks like this.

ta-da!
i would really appreciate it if you let me know if you have a go making any fabric flower bowls, as i would love to see them, and please link back here if you post them on your blog.
this was fun, i might have a go at another tutorial sooner rather than later.
xo, kali

love fridays & blogtoberfest

i'm becoming a very social blogger this month and am participating in some fun challenges.
yesterday was a Share Your Stash post, and today i'm joining in with Cathy in Love Fridays.



But to top it all off she is also hosting Blogtoberfest, and i've challenged myself to post each day for the whole of October...so far so good, but considering we're only into the 3rd day of the month i'm not going to hold my breath. i will try though!

Love Fridays :: each friday across town this auction house holds a general auction which i like to visit if i can. there are about 4 sheds filled with lots of 'stuff', and even though i didn't attend today, yesterday was viewing day so i popped on over and have placed some absentee bids on a few goodies. not sure if i will be successful, because i have only placed minimal amounts, on the off chance i grab me a bargain. 3pm today i find out how i went.

share your stash week

i'm joining in with the delightful Pip over at Meet Me At Mikes, in Share Your Stash Week!
head on over and have a nosey at everyone's favourite fabrics. Fun!
i hope you enjoy this selection of photos (taken from my archives) from part of my fabric stash/collection.
i can assure you it doesn't stay this neat for long, but i am the kind of sewer who needs to tidy things up before i start working on a new project, otherwise i don't enjoy the process.

this is my absolute favourite fabric. it is vintage, over 3 metres in length, and i was lucky enough to buy it on ebay. to top it all off it is featured in one of my favourite reference books, Cath Kidston's ::In Print - an inspirtational guide to using print in your home::

a lot of my inspiration for my designs and goodies i sew come from my fabrics. they're collected from anywhere i can find them really - new fabric shops; op-shops; garage sales; flea-markets and online. my true passion lies in vintage prints and fabrics and i love to reuse fabric; old curtains and tablecloths for instance.
though i must say that i am always on the look out for a bargain, and as much as i would love to have the money to spend on as much fabric as i like, when i like, i simply cannot afford that luxury.
but somehow that makes what i do have all that much more special.
xo, kali