tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24484641407149256462024-02-21T15:35:58.753+11:00Turnips and ToileVeggie Gardening and Vintage Patterns, Fabric and SewingMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-68606246181913980792014-08-18T14:17:00.003+10:002014-08-18T14:17:44.349+10:00<br />
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Long time between posts but lots has happened. I moved back to the US eight months ago to be closer to family, a huge decision for me after 18 years in Australia. A few months ago a friend in Del Mar put me in touch with a fantastic woman named Cece who does animal rescue and wanted some help getting a community garden happening. She and her husband have generously allowed people in the neighborhood to grow food on their land. The experience has been amazing. I'm getting to know some wonderful people, growing my own food again, mostly from heirloom seed, and helping people who have never planted before. Stay tuned for a special journey!</div>
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p.s. photo credit and garden logo by Tom Kabbash </div>
Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-38705154708752683662013-09-15T21:09:00.000+10:002013-09-15T21:11:39.074+10:00Backyard Biodiversity <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been sick for almost a month but carrying on as best as I can. Blah. Had a cold on and off for two weeks, felt a bit better, then came down with a respiratory infection a few days ago that floored me. Today the sun was shining and I dragged myself out of bed, grabbed a blanket and had a snooze on a lounge chair in the front yard. Listening to a <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks" target="_blank">TED talks</a> podcast after I woke up, I was amazed at the action happenin' in my little patch.<br />
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Suburban gardens support a huge amount of biodiversity. In a rare afternoon where I physically couldn't do any more than watch the world, I saw a myriad of bird and bug species at close range...what a joy! The wattle birds and mockingbirds were warbling, the bees were buzzing and the ants were crawling. I saw four different types of butterflies including the Australian Painted Lady (in pic above), Yellow Admiral and Common Brown. There were native and European honey bees collecting nectar, ants of various sizes, at least 3 different types of spiders, and a few flies.<br />
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Last week I had the pleasure of hearing the dynamic ecologist, author and professor <a href="http://hitchmough-2012-olympic-park.group.shef.ac.uk/" target="_blank">James Hitchmough</a> speak several times while visiting from Sheffield England. He mentioned a book called <a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/RHS-Publications/Journals/The-Garden/Past-Issues/2010-issues/November/Ecology-begins-at-home-wildlife-case-study" target="_blank">Wildlife of a Garden</a> by Jennifer Owen. This amazing 30 year study by one woman of her own garden documented over 2,000 species of insects and other invertebrates. There's a lot happening close to home when we can slow down and have a look.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-13184397105863824292013-07-17T07:48:00.001+10:002013-07-17T07:48:31.382+10:00Winter in Melbourne<div style="text-align: center;">
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My feelings exactly...this says it all really. A friend gave me this pin that came with bulbs from Diggers. Very funny! xo</div>
Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-16497064069869558852013-06-14T13:05:00.000+10:002013-06-14T13:07:04.651+10:00Cal Patch Sew Along<br />
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I just finished my skirt from Cal Patch's <a href="http://hodgepodgefarm.net/?p=3070" target="_blank">A-line skirt sew-along</a>. I know what you're thinking...another A-line! I really like the simple style and it suits vintage fabrics really well. I'm so pleased to have a pattern that fits me perfectly that I'll use again and again. Even with a drafting background from landscape design I find pattern making challenging. I can picture what a tree or plant will look like in the landscape when I see it on paper, but body contours are completely different to draw up. Cal was so patient in class and explained every step and why lines and shapes that looked counter-intuitive would work when the fabric was cut and sewn. I liked her explantion of darts 'They're cones for boobs and butts'! </div>
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Here I am above drafting the pattern in Cal Patch's Design Your Own Clothes workshop at the Makerie. Photo credit above <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77572051@N04/" target="_blank">Linda Winski</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63307174@N05/8746078383/" title="A-line skirt pattern from Makerie Sewing"><img alt="A-line skirt pattern from Makerie Sewing by MelbourneMel" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/8746078383_1140baa6b5.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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The completed pattern... ready to cut out the muslin. The muslin fit perfectly, no adjustments needed.</div>
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Cutting out the fabric at my Sew Melbourne group at <a href="http://www.candobooks.com.au/catalog/index.php" target="_blank">Can Do Books</a>. My tassel necklace sure gets around! I discovered when I tried on the skirt that heavy fabrics really need to be mushed down on the fold after you lay the pattern on top. The fold was a bit bulky and ended up adding a few centimetres to the front waistline. I took in the darts a bit and a little from the sides to fix it. I ran up the street and got a dress zipper at <a href="http://www.langknitt.com.au/" target="_blank">Langknitt</a>, a lovely neighborhood shop that still sells haberdashery. The fabric is a vintage bark-cloth from <a href="http://www.urbanburp.com/" target="_blank">Urban Burp</a>.<br />
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Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-73652026055019367662013-06-02T13:50:00.000+10:002013-06-14T13:16:43.000+10:00Getty Center Garden in LA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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More pics from my trip to the US last month. This is the always inspiring <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Robert-Irwin-Garden-Lawrence-Weschler/dp/0892366206" target="_blank">Central Garden at the Getty Center</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Robert-Irwin-Garden-Lawrence-Weschler/dp/0892366206" target="_blank">designed by Robert Irwin</a> with horticultural consulting by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Plants-Gettys-Central-Garden-Duggan/dp/0892367148/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370143592&sr=1-4&keywords=jim+duggan" target="_blank">Jim Duggan</a>.<br />
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-64550339702466509482013-05-20T16:58:00.000+10:002013-05-20T16:58:26.662+10:00Makerie Sewing 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Last month I spent 3 and a half blissful days at the Makerie Sewing Retreat in Boulder, Colorado during a trip back to the US and Mexico to visit family and friends. The teachers were amazing, generous, and funny. These ladies are the rock stars of the sewing and craft world: Amy Butler from <a href="http://amybutlerdesign.com/main.php?fl=0" target="_blank">Amy Butler Design</a>, Jenny Hart from <a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/" target="_blank">Sublime Stitching</a>, Kaari Meng from <a href="https://www.frenchgeneral.com/" target="_blank">French General</a>, Liesl Gibson from <a href="http://oliverands.com/" target="_blank">Oliver + S</a>, Cal Patch from <a href="http://hodgepodgefarm.net/" target="_blank">Hodge Podge Farm</a>, Heather Jones from <a href="http://www.oliveandollie.com/" target="_blank">Olive and Ollie</a> and Tamar Mogendorff. We also had insightful lunchtime sessions with Amy Flurry from <a href="http://www.recipeforpress.com/" target="_blank">Recipe for Press</a> on generating your own PR. <br />
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Amy Butler's class in one of the beautiful workshop spaces at <a href="http://www.chautauqua.com/" target="_blank">Chautauqua</a>.</div>
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Creating Your Unique Colour Story with Amy Butler</div>
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A very happy group of makers with Amy Butler (bottom row centre). I'm standing fourth from the left.</div>
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Jenny Hart's Illuminated Embroidery workshop. Sitting with the lovely afternoon sun streaming through the window with a woman from Scotland. </div>
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The snow in Boulder 2 days before the Makerie started. I had planned on hiking but went on a tour of the <a href="http://www.celestialseasonings.com/visit" target="_blank">Celestial Seasonings</a> Tea factory instead!</div>
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My fantastic cabin mates, Rhonda, me with my eyest closed, Mary and Michele. We all happened to wear purple on the last day! Great minds think alike. (Rhonda's photo) </div>
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Our creative output laid out on the table in our cozy cabin. (Rhonda's photo) </div>
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The Dining Hall at <a href="http://www.chautauqua.com/" target="_blank">Chautauqua </a>with the Flatirons in the background. You can see how much the snow melted after three days of sunshine. (Rhonda's photo)</div>
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More pics can be found on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/msewvintage/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>board and the Makerie <a href="http://the-makerie.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">blog</a>, and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/themakerie2012/" target="_blank">Flickr </a>sites. </div>
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Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-14446177642227465272013-04-10T17:18:00.000+10:002013-04-10T17:18:18.895+10:00Olé<div style="text-align: center;">
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It's a fiesta of chiles from my garden and a few from the <a href="http://voice.unimelb.edu.au/volume-9/number-3/gardens-sky" target="_blank">Burnley Rooftop Garden</a>. The varieties include Thai, Habañero, Birds Eye, Jalapeño and yes, Fiesta!<br />
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Making <a href="http://www.turnipsandtoile.blogspot.com.au/search/label/chilies" target="_blank">Escabeche </a>from the chiles, garlic from my garden and purchased carrots and cauliflower. I posted the recipe <a href="http://www.turnipsandtoile.blogspot.com.au/search/label/chilies" target="_blank">here </a>two years ago.<br />
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Bottled up and ready to go!</div>
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Next on the Mexican veggie harvest train were the Tomatillos...<br />
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Tomatilloes are the main ingredient in Salsa Verde and can also be made into soup or a number of other recipes including pasta sauce. I grew two types this year, purple and the regular green. They turn pale yellow if left longer on the plant but I prefer the tangier flavour when they are still green. They can be picked any time after the papery husk starts to break like the ones above on the right.<br />
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Tomatilloes are not eaten raw, the papery husk must be removed and the fruit is cooked before eating. Browning them on each side gives them a lovely smoky flavour. I chop them in half, grill them in a pan or under the broiler for a few minutes on each side and then freeze them in individual portion sizes in zip-lock bags. They can be defrosted as needed and chopped up with some Escabeche to make a delicious salsa!<br />
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Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-40749669397022364912013-03-27T15:58:00.000+11:002013-03-27T15:59:02.890+11:00Embroidery Floss Tassel Necklace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Inspired by this Jenny Hart <a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/blogs/news/7374720-embroidery-floss-tassel-necklace-redux" target="_blank">blog post </a>on Sublime Stitching. Can't wait for the Makerie Sewing!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-41296931703089442232013-03-18T18:01:00.000+11:002013-03-18T18:06:00.121+11:00My First Patchwork Throw<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Big achievement - I finally completed my first patchwork quilt! Well, it's a throw really but let's be bold and call it a quilt. I started this about 2 years ago and then put it aside at some stage with the intention of getting back to it (hahaha). I decided around Christmas that it was time to get the binding on the edges, the last step. The binding was machine-sewn on the front and hand-stitched on the back and I just finished last week! </div>
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The embroidered square in the photo above and in a few others were <a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/" target="_blank">Jenny Hart</a> transfers from her book <a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/collections/books/products/embroidered-effects" target="_blank">Embroidered Effects</a> and from the <a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/collections/books/products/craft-pad" target="_blank">Sublime Stitching Craft Pad</a>. I'm so excited to be doing a workshop next month in Boulder, Colorado with her at the Makerie Sewing Retreat (and other amazing imsirping women like Amy Butler, Keri Meng from French General, Cal Patch and Heather Jones).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXy9aoaMOTwYLP90oVyKJocrdIFdDBMGWBDs5Bw3Nuro9Ak0fh5XoVA0MuaK53Ns0OkRWy5g49V9qEfxq5HkjheTDBEr5EdARyT7tGJS_9928e8-chqrgLXMXnDd-VMWRrZMtwR82IRBkl/s1600/PatchworkQuilt+frontSm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXy9aoaMOTwYLP90oVyKJocrdIFdDBMGWBDs5Bw3Nuro9Ak0fh5XoVA0MuaK53Ns0OkRWy5g49V9qEfxq5HkjheTDBEr5EdARyT7tGJS_9928e8-chqrgLXMXnDd-VMWRrZMtwR82IRBkl/s1600/PatchworkQuilt+frontSm.jpg" /></a></div>
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The quilt was inspired by one of my great-grandmother, Nana's, depression-era patchwork quilts, below. I wanted to make a quilt with all scraps from my stash, nothing purchased. A few of the squares were fabric donated by a friend but the only things purchased were a $1 batting piece from an op-shop (this actually determined the size of the quilt) and some thick hand-dyed cotton embroidery floss that I used to knot the middle of the squares.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIi9sLOj5zWDD2ITiE-QjtKJThmaBnMORldaKSIj87qW5qwrz_YT9Y1ZGoE66P7dUJAN7TfEsbO0KJT2vDME_wwrCIzzJ020k1iX6zVQxDqSjsdopV-nN56J2AdaKmlrq7Ut9DBrdAP-w4/s1600/PatchworkKesslerFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIi9sLOj5zWDD2ITiE-QjtKJThmaBnMORldaKSIj87qW5qwrz_YT9Y1ZGoE66P7dUJAN7TfEsbO0KJT2vDME_wwrCIzzJ020k1iX6zVQxDqSjsdopV-nN56J2AdaKmlrq7Ut9DBrdAP-w4/s1600/PatchworkKesslerFront.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">One of two </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">quilts made by</span></span></span></span></span> my great-</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">grandmo</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">ther</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">. I remember sleeping under this in Chica</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">go at my grandpa</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">rent</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">s' when I </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">was very little and my mother getting it out in </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Los Angeles</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> if we were home sick lying </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">on the couch wat</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">ching TV. </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">t was incre</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">dibly warm and heavy. </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfd1mJXuKtBXaByylSWBBhdQTHkneQBwUovjMXHIkk1FOsIaQG4jwfiMJfGIJa4lyiTbioOLhTu4mwR_WSWMBrEJtt6O7N63KB_jJgWV2kSXTn09e0-3UDp9Of3zrnBOYJLQk7EYByPUh/s1600/PatchworkKesslerDetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfd1mJXuKtBXaByylSWBBhdQTHkneQBwUovjMXHIkk1FOsIaQG4jwfiMJfGIJa4lyiTbioOLhTu4mwR_WSWMBrEJtt6O7N63KB_jJgWV2kSXTn09e0-3UDp9Of3zrnBOYJLQk7EYByPUh/s1600/PatchworkKesslerDetail.jpg" /></a></div>
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Great-grandpa Kessler worked in the shipping department of <a href="http://www.hartschaffnermarx.com/about-hsm/" target="_blank">Hart Schaffner and Marx</a> men's clothing company in Chicago and the quality of the wool fabric and the vibrancy
of the colours is amazing. These would have been men's suit sample squares that he brought home for Nana. The squares were all hand-knotted in the centre with
green wool knitting yarn. A few of the squares need repair but these quilts have held up well, especially considering they were always machine washed and my mother would have also tumble-dried them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0mQdF_6slIkzdq7Q7f2YCinHHzrjVSzoPHgMNa3fRA1rBVVRkbZO8DbQvT-ofFhbTdmuXdn5DdtdZewAoHSaPD4CNrep_yiuDjvZ0aMGM4aRuAP1oKnhojv9cBk01-EQaTlIj4lBc4YV/s1600/PatchworkKesslerBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0mQdF_6slIkzdq7Q7f2YCinHHzrjVSzoPHgMNa3fRA1rBVVRkbZO8DbQvT-ofFhbTdmuXdn5DdtdZewAoHSaPD4CNrep_yiuDjvZ0aMGM4aRuAP1oKnhojv9cBk01-EQaTlIj4lBc4YV/s1600/PatchworkKesslerBack.jpg" /></a></div>
The back of the the quilt is mattress ticking and there's no border. This is a real no-nonsense quilt!<br />
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My quilt again! A closeup of some of the fabric squares with embroidery detail around the squirrel pattern. <br />
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The back of my quilt with a vintage fabric I purchased online. You may recognise it from the sides of my <a href="http://turnipsandtoile.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/vintage-apron.html" target="_blank">Vintage Apron</a>!<br />
<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-70111532227189817642013-03-13T16:42:00.000+11:002013-03-13T16:42:54.606+11:00A-line Skirt Copy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaw8k0a6vLMBuB6Z6h0YToWjE7b_8k3xaRLsdyx1uJJFznO0ezfAC5iUrhIDrdpbftp4u2mzSmErCC1Gb_aWvSUegDrR5babI3KZ00BIUx0CW0rlx6AL5C-b8frI4s6LzK6obD1rSqMiMI/s1600/PurpleAlineSkirt+(4)crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaw8k0a6vLMBuB6Z6h0YToWjE7b_8k3xaRLsdyx1uJJFznO0ezfAC5iUrhIDrdpbftp4u2mzSmErCC1Gb_aWvSUegDrR5babI3KZ00BIUx0CW0rlx6AL5C-b8frI4s6LzK6obD1rSqMiMI/s1600/PurpleAlineSkirt+(4)crop.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A-line skirt copy</td></tr>
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I originally had made this fabric into a elastic-waist skirt and didn't really like the fullness of the pleats with the stiff vintage cotton. I always thought this fabric would be better suited to a straight skirt. Then, last June I bought a skirt when I was working full time thinking 'this is one that I could make' but didn't have any time to sew that winter. It was my favourite (2nd fave now!) skirt and I finally had time to copy it last month. I made it a little narrower than the original red skirt (below).</div>
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The fabric has hand-painted looking purple, turquoise and yellow flowers with grey and green brushy stems and leaves. I bordered it in purple store-bought bias binding after testing to make sure it didn't run in the wash or with the steam iron. I had another trim I was thinking of using that was colour-fast in the wash but ran onto my ironing board (see photo below). Didn't use that one! The fabric was from <a href="http://www.apieceofclothstudio.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">A Piece of Cloth</a> at their <a href="http://www.northmelbournemarket.com/" target="_blank">North Melbourne Market</a> stall.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The purchased skirt. I love this fabric and live in this skirt with t-shirts!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRjrFVEzZMmck7I-a-zWL_9AfhCOm1ZkJGEWUlab8dfCsTLVShoO61z6CTIUvWoYLW2RwjdbxFVhBApKQUxFWcxr0kWubzq9nXMjwNLFUSYizi5y0gVIi9sFY4VdmPqPYLGjkPO3ZluFT/s1600/AlineSkirtTrace.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRjrFVEzZMmck7I-a-zWL_9AfhCOm1ZkJGEWUlab8dfCsTLVShoO61z6CTIUvWoYLW2RwjdbxFVhBApKQUxFWcxr0kWubzq9nXMjwNLFUSYizi5y0gVIi9sFY4VdmPqPYLGjkPO3ZluFT/s400/AlineSkirtTrace.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I didn't make a pattern, just placed the fabric under the skirt and cut with a seam allowance. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzW0m3saBFLrDSdXjLtSwgVGE7lnCIhIJpxilKthNna1lHD6gB-3rDxD33dYj3lhnJne8c9E7kUifnc6MyBkVoBNIZ-zDTmv1baM9GzBcovxHHBpATVt6A-A2OZXeBUXt2e4rJ8ghhcso/s1600/ColourFastTest+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzW0m3saBFLrDSdXjLtSwgVGE7lnCIhIJpxilKthNna1lHD6gB-3rDxD33dYj3lhnJne8c9E7kUifnc6MyBkVoBNIZ-zDTmv1baM9GzBcovxHHBpATVt6A-A2OZXeBUXt2e4rJ8ghhcso/s320/ColourFastTest+(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I recommend testing for water and steam-iron fastness if you are using a
coloured trim. This one didn't pass the steam test and I didn't realise
it until it was too late for my ironing board cover!</div>
<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-88700095551260330172013-03-02T21:29:00.000+11:002013-03-02T21:29:05.031+11:00Vintage PJs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpp3j1ycCKbZNa86hhoeE-j1gj_tjffG-dqJb6V5_ovSOCQCsQB3C6t_NggnnqS0gVXY-eLlOQp10LBai16L-ZSK4pwcnatszUBuVpWq8oQYYfgJIuZDbz92o1FBt5eEsDX37R3Gwa3fU/s1600/VintagePJs+(1)+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpp3j1ycCKbZNa86hhoeE-j1gj_tjffG-dqJb6V5_ovSOCQCsQB3C6t_NggnnqS0gVXY-eLlOQp10LBai16L-ZSK4pwcnatszUBuVpWq8oQYYfgJIuZDbz92o1FBt5eEsDX37R3Gwa3fU/s1600/VintagePJs+(1)+sm.jpg" /></a></div>
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Vintage PJs, pattern circa 1930's. The fabric is $9/m Japanese lawn from Spotlight and vintage lace trim from my stash. This is the first pattern I have ever used that fit me perfectly without any alterations! It was one of those real oldies with no markings on the pattern and no instructions but good pics on the envelope. Very comfy for lounging around the house and a lot more stylish than track pants!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmzxjIiYYJr0JJ-UggikxqmuPHLeZgElg4KnuyKSV5_hBC9O5lpR1h3646bwhdzVyoDLzbkL3owiPsBrih22JI750vZ2m74Z8WI3xVFQdm7tobf3ByuMtx68kTuGTEEWlumJNlT078o4c/s1600/LoungePJsPattern+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmzxjIiYYJr0JJ-UggikxqmuPHLeZgElg4KnuyKSV5_hBC9O5lpR1h3646bwhdzVyoDLzbkL3owiPsBrih22JI750vZ2m74Z8WI3xVFQdm7tobf3ByuMtx68kTuGTEEWlumJNlT078o4c/s1600/LoungePJsPattern+sm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australian Home Journal 10498</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgri_Fj9IohyphenhyphenDuV9cuIy3njr-6MP3IXej5XX8bRzBa47v4dw-jxMc5nQt2Dddv5shXl8Vp8qZyAitQl6xN02_kK_iEVxzh4JAIxmBtu1ySpoIHl7mKzsSIdTXKNJBHgeJsi0idR69y07xT/s1600/LoungePJsPatternbacksm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgri_Fj9IohyphenhyphenDuV9cuIy3njr-6MP3IXej5XX8bRzBa47v4dw-jxMc5nQt2Dddv5shXl8Vp8qZyAitQl6xN02_kK_iEVxzh4JAIxmBtu1ySpoIHl7mKzsSIdTXKNJBHgeJsi0idR69y07xT/s1600/LoungePJsPatternbacksm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattern Envelope Back</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEN1qadxA0IojFSsA2hbK1zeAeidS9XwSootPiL3Qh9qSf2nRY_mJaePvA94PcXRKaakWfoaMlynN46h-h0TsKK9MPXKoMCKCq8oqPhqVXhVTgBtHwgyCTc4zCgkTPwUmYGWjWyAcK1PIr/s1600/VintagePJs+back+full+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEN1qadxA0IojFSsA2hbK1zeAeidS9XwSootPiL3Qh9qSf2nRY_mJaePvA94PcXRKaakWfoaMlynN46h-h0TsKK9MPXKoMCKCq8oqPhqVXhVTgBtHwgyCTc4zCgkTPwUmYGWjWyAcK1PIr/s400/VintagePJs+back+full+sm.jpg" width="371" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqE76MEksTLUPe0l8BfHXpfH8JU6sEO7QSIjBLJLdOcCZiacYKr1XoMlMsV5QC2BjI5CljEhrul4ooEOErv5GV_ucIpKF0KeaP5e0d0XqyX4w6PwWxGfyX11g838_SzdG7bSRQlpGRh7O/s1600/VintagePJs+back+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqE76MEksTLUPe0l8BfHXpfH8JU6sEO7QSIjBLJLdOcCZiacYKr1XoMlMsV5QC2BjI5CljEhrul4ooEOErv5GV_ucIpKF0KeaP5e0d0XqyX4w6PwWxGfyX11g838_SzdG7bSRQlpGRh7O/s400/VintagePJs+back+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bow tie detail</td></tr>
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-53049838192624641042013-02-22T09:00:00.000+11:002013-02-22T09:00:00.433+11:003 Meals from the Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8RVPa7z8ch1j-poLzykh-NY0GxEhRZOjf5FYNijCNsmFPkjVc2VguhT0HtzIIXiiRUBUZ4sB6Dg_J4EwKAEDacUCaRN8PJozWRkik1L_cFD84VgOy-WGfxHL9iJOjyU0iRihAb1TGKhq/s1600/GardenDinner_022013+(2)+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8RVPa7z8ch1j-poLzykh-NY0GxEhRZOjf5FYNijCNsmFPkjVc2VguhT0HtzIIXiiRUBUZ4sB6Dg_J4EwKAEDacUCaRN8PJozWRkik1L_cFD84VgOy-WGfxHL9iJOjyU0iRihAb1TGKhq/s400/GardenDinner_022013+(2)+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Dinner</b><br />
Beans (Purple King, they turn green when you cook them!), basil, rocket, Italian parsley and French tarragon to go in pasta. A fig for dessert.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQatLUJ4OFzaN7BNAKFDSgOr1h8p6RVNQZ1pIe3CQW8jE89pQH_cxLKGQwAM0acvwUkdKZqY7aENZwYt-Eh_CqQJ9S5t_rT-txdHOgf0i9MV0NF6-_IMjOSw6XmlqK3xeVhcSQ6uDUdhU/s1600/GardenDinner+(2)+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQatLUJ4OFzaN7BNAKFDSgOr1h8p6RVNQZ1pIe3CQW8jE89pQH_cxLKGQwAM0acvwUkdKZqY7aENZwYt-Eh_CqQJ9S5t_rT-txdHOgf0i9MV0NF6-_IMjOSw6XmlqK3xeVhcSQ6uDUdhU/s400/GardenDinner+(2)+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Lunch</b><br />
Baby lettuce (Butterhead), chicory, purple basil with added roasted red capsicum, escabeche (pickled carrots and chiles) and dijon mustard for a vinaigrette dressing. Topped with salmon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ54OQPRAShK2EMVXwlR6UE6ngn7ZOWaQTMg_nKlvEsiCJ3YMNG4tt2GmSsT8xZ4QbvJ3u9MvI0K5X79GTY6KeFLsFIQe5l7vHgKB3u15ehaLLACDWoP5V4fYkV2KqL0fDOMPjc1djGWn3/s1600/GardenDinner+(1)+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ54OQPRAShK2EMVXwlR6UE6ngn7ZOWaQTMg_nKlvEsiCJ3YMNG4tt2GmSsT8xZ4QbvJ3u9MvI0K5X79GTY6KeFLsFIQe5l7vHgKB3u15ehaLLACDWoP5V4fYkV2KqL0fDOMPjc1djGWn3/s400/GardenDinner+(1)+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Breakfast</b><br />
Rhubarb, plums, ginger shoots and added cinnamon sticks for a compote. Mixed with yogurt and BarleyMax cereal.<br />
Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-77448480530545217112013-02-18T21:18:00.000+11:002013-03-13T16:50:20.508+11:00Vintage Apron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwHUc8h947t_T6_CEeBrhGJ1JhRhz48fV2C05M9hd7EMO4_dl8B1GKZIvxQK8lF8yH2C3hXDZCXBYb9L3C_9llw5UaphTOjxmTQpe9YLHG7wvWAvhqG28nrgJKd0yTsXAuQfPzowUcYOZ/s1600/ApronOutsidesm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwHUc8h947t_T6_CEeBrhGJ1JhRhz48fV2C05M9hd7EMO4_dl8B1GKZIvxQK8lF8yH2C3hXDZCXBYb9L3C_9llw5UaphTOjxmTQpe9YLHG7wvWAvhqG28nrgJKd0yTsXAuQfPzowUcYOZ/s1600/ApronOutsidesm.jpg" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqk46ynqT7-XxbS0ZRZ5Y3hrPrxvE-eev1lBiCm-ndR8kou9rmhauBQlArzk2gcD1GIKHIL0pAtUqvRXoVg0fK8qAjeYg8hFOUsRLbrNhca1HnL6eWRYMtNSy6jzyvE0kUTmbrtQeAaKd/s1600/VintageApron_sm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqk46ynqT7-XxbS0ZRZ5Y3hrPrxvE-eev1lBiCm-ndR8kou9rmhauBQlArzk2gcD1GIKHIL0pAtUqvRXoVg0fK8qAjeYg8hFOUsRLbrNhca1HnL6eWRYMtNSy6jzyvE0kUTmbrtQeAaKd/s1600/VintageApron_sm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The strange case of Iphone head.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here's a vintage-style apron I made using McCall's 3979 view E. I didn't want to cover up the cute pattern so I left out the pockets. I also made up my own slip-over neck piece to fit the pattern graphics instead of ties. Originally I had a vintage <a href="http://www.sajou.fr/en/guipures/2411-guipure-n-ba-a-metre-card.html" target="_blank">Sajou red guipure trim</a> on the 'V's' looked like little dots, but discovered that it ran when I ironed it. Luckily soaking in SOS colour run removed the red, but it faded the fabric a little bit. I had done a colour-fast test in the wash that was okay but the steam from the iron was too much. Darn that red!<br />
<br />
The Kitchen kitsch fabric was from <a href="http://www.apieceofcloth.com.au/" target="_blank">A Piece of Cloth</a> at the <a href="http://northmelbournemarket.com/" target="_blank">North Melbourne Market</a>. They have a shop now at an amazing old historic paper mill outside of Geelong - definately check it out and support their new venture if you're down that way. The turquose trim was ordered online from the US from <a href="http://www.urbanburp.com/" target="_blank">Urban Burp</a> and I have also used it to back a quilt that I will finish someday.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGyuvj6PKtusS_hsIXn3sIlGJOXsd52DsNkpJAowoMN4fG-hIF1wbbQmLgX7w1yvOgD6iixkZ_8CXUlxOyyBvlaNdzEzA9czgncNmWLoBSSTATpyrni41kAhFHvH0BXCuUM6O1PjNf1gv/s1600/McCalls3979VintageApron_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGyuvj6PKtusS_hsIXn3sIlGJOXsd52DsNkpJAowoMN4fG-hIF1wbbQmLgX7w1yvOgD6iixkZ_8CXUlxOyyBvlaNdzEzA9czgncNmWLoBSSTATpyrni41kAhFHvH0BXCuUM6O1PjNf1gv/s1600/McCalls3979VintageApron_sm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McCall's 3979</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-86857884722418548052013-02-08T17:01:00.001+11:002013-02-08T17:01:34.856+11:00Easy Pot Possum-proofing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQlo1zEHbHd1dH9r-0Vaj0AxISEXpH5N6vfhEX1uW9HHXJ7OUeRr2x16HmIwIF9miLcaxv52rnrnE44CS4QDpJCiz4RPB9CGhb2qhsScgauD9rw5mQva8jPeKgkOe2sknqFcIK53n9GwE/s1600/Apple_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQlo1zEHbHd1dH9r-0Vaj0AxISEXpH5N6vfhEX1uW9HHXJ7OUeRr2x16HmIwIF9miLcaxv52rnrnE44CS4QDpJCiz4RPB9CGhb2qhsScgauD9rw5mQva8jPeKgkOe2sknqFcIK53n9GwE/s1600/Apple_4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apples almost ready to pick.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here's an easy way to possum or bird-proof a fruit tree in a pot. I originally just had the netting hanging over the tree but found the weight was distorting the shape of the branches. <br />
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<b>What you'll need:</b><br />
<u>Materials</u><br />
4 Bamboo stakes * (see note below)<br />
19mm irrigation tubing (or whatever size you have handy)<br />
Netting - enough to cover your tree<br />
Clothes pegs<br />
<br />
<u>Tools</u><br />
Secateurs<br />
Step ladder<br />
<br />
* Note: You'll notice I used two bamboo stakes and a ladder-shaped iron
trellis, really anything that your tubing fits onto is fine. Tomato
stakes would be okay for a smaller tree but you would need to use a
larger diameter irrigation tubing to fit onto the ends.<br />
<br />
<b>Step One:</b><br />
Place stakes in a square shape in your pot. Put them as close to the edge as possible so you don't damage the roots of your tree. I placed two of them in a garden bed next to the pot to give the netting more height. Make sure they are in deep enough so they support the weight of the netting and won't fall over.<br />
<br />
<b>Step Two:</b><br />
Before you cut your tubing, attach one end to the end of one bamboo stake and make an arch to the bamboo in the opposite corner. Work out how long you need it to be to make a solid arch that holds the bamboo in place. Cut the tubing to the correct size and remove it. <br />
<br />
I had to get up on a step ladder to do this so please be careful! Move
the step ladder to the other side of the pot if it's a big pot like this
rather than trying to reach....disaster waiting to happen! <br />
<br />
<b>Step Three:</b><br />
Cut another length of tubing to the size you have just measured and attach them in a cross shape to the four ends of the stake. You now have a frame for your netting.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh743XJC2kk3M6Ger6S5vG7kIkyEvjHlgVGEDszFtXeaxBRafDuRg3cfhO1vTFKZasdrkRgp9gJbFK-KsZEOus5w6wB0NL5sUavw-WPd42stuAiQnRRCdQ2bbs6cLcyNGicb20R1xWMjgfD/s1600/Apple_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh743XJC2kk3M6Ger6S5vG7kIkyEvjHlgVGEDszFtXeaxBRafDuRg3cfhO1vTFKZasdrkRgp9gJbFK-KsZEOus5w6wB0NL5sUavw-WPd42stuAiQnRRCdQ2bbs6cLcyNGicb20R1xWMjgfD/s1600/Apple_1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step Three: attaching the tubing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gOfa8L6dchH4x4HPu4Dye0qgnFqLOUa7bq6O8tgw1oyKBCuXYw6acCI7jdZpgd6hzOZYcjsrjvVlF0stRgkGw4-mfza_wjv5MZ0nPD1XIHrt3K6DR-1JDuk2S0UkRX57xnPFUMBcsQYP/s1600/Apple_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gOfa8L6dchH4x4HPu4Dye0qgnFqLOUa7bq6O8tgw1oyKBCuXYw6acCI7jdZpgd6hzOZYcjsrjvVlF0stRgkGw4-mfza_wjv5MZ0nPD1XIHrt3K6DR-1JDuk2S0UkRX57xnPFUMBcsQYP/s1600/Apple_2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step Three from the other side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Step Four:</b><br />
Toss the netting over the frame and gently pull it evenly around the tree so it covers all the brances. Use the clothes pegs to close it up around the trunk and branches. I like using pegs instead of ties because they are easy to remove to adjust the net if needed as the tree grows and to get to the fruit when it's ready to pick.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMBoppgJAhBA8MGrYCHHV2Rp_-ezfDXTWl3gW-1C09RwPKgoniZbCHPtuM9mQKikaec5UPhvwTfNs3_2f5akEHhL7uIc8SurTfVH58LCjlgrMJfwF_LnEsDrfRpSiPQrE-zB8Qse6C74e/s1600/Apple_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMBoppgJAhBA8MGrYCHHV2Rp_-ezfDXTWl3gW-1C09RwPKgoniZbCHPtuM9mQKikaec5UPhvwTfNs3_2f5akEHhL7uIc8SurTfVH58LCjlgrMJfwF_LnEsDrfRpSiPQrE-zB8Qse6C74e/s1600/Apple_3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The netting is on, next step is to use pegs to close up any critter entry points underneath.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8RQmFColFV1wWvc6OX9YIDPXPPt1TXti04lvK3wDhAwgr0Yg5jVcjLIRPcMmaikttEcSj4wL-6QScQ0nd7PNzFL2Q-LgIo1S0Wv0EPnBpj1TXQ__PUZBH2rkHJPR0CAhs6UNcUlz7UF9/s1600/Apple_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8RQmFColFV1wWvc6OX9YIDPXPPt1TXti04lvK3wDhAwgr0Yg5jVcjLIRPcMmaikttEcSj4wL-6QScQ0nd7PNzFL2Q-LgIo1S0Wv0EPnBpj1TXQ__PUZBH2rkHJPR0CAhs6UNcUlz7UF9/s1600/Apple_5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clothes pegs hold the netting closed and are easy to remove to get to your fruit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Voila! Easy peasy. You could adapt this to any size pot and use it in a garden bed too. <br /><br />
<br />
Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-9243235019511139882013-01-26T18:14:00.001+11:002013-01-26T18:14:46.344+11:00Vintage A line Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUCoufp_lES_C569R7nAJhe3NTdPPN1nprFemrQ9czKKmuIQAoI0JAZU22KO788-5n1I0nsg_KVdY-c3cn59L0VZWGSGrQbbqymduSkPq3O8eMxYcJPPN8VwRg6m3vbW1l-pH_o7Any_x/s1600/MelsDress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUCoufp_lES_C569R7nAJhe3NTdPPN1nprFemrQ9czKKmuIQAoI0JAZU22KO788-5n1I0nsg_KVdY-c3cn59L0VZWGSGrQbbqymduSkPq3O8eMxYcJPPN8VwRg6m3vbW1l-pH_o7Any_x/s320/MelsDress.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
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This is my first finished project for a long while. It's from a 1960's pattern made with vintage Japanese cotton jacquard from <a href="http://www.thedancingqueen.com.au/" target="_blank">The Dancing Queen</a> fabrics in Fitzroy. I got lots of help from Lisa at Dancing Queen and some great tips from Stephanie and others in my once a month sewing group at <a href="http://www.candobooks.com.au/catalog/index.php" target="_blank">Can Do Books</a> in Hawthorn. My neighbor also came over one day to help me with the darts...thanks Tina! That was the first time I have ever heard anyone say 'I love darts! I'll be right over to help'. This was definately a group effort! I learned lots about darts, had a major overlocker disaster and had to re-cut one of the back panels. I also discovered how to do a neckline interfacing and armhole bias binding. Lisa showed me the industry way to attach the interfacing to the zip...very tricky and impressive. Mine is the one on the right, a little wonky on the inside but it looked great on the outside with a good press!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1ypRRB2c7hmxMHcn5uNB6ykTLMDajvhk05j3eaKN2pUWWajwMDI0ohRBgIjMjN2v25TSp3WJp92xQdDE2kG71eIzmTMk26S7WVIQterUGbophF_HQSoGLya97JIsHYpq1Hh7qVGYe5O9/s1600/insidedress2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1ypRRB2c7hmxMHcn5uNB6ykTLMDajvhk05j3eaKN2pUWWajwMDI0ohRBgIjMjN2v25TSp3WJp92xQdDE2kG71eIzmTMk26S7WVIQterUGbophF_HQSoGLya97JIsHYpq1Hh7qVGYe5O9/s320/insidedress2.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
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I found this tutorial very helpful with the armhole bias binding: <a href="http://modernquiltlove.wordpress.com/2009/06/10/applying-bias-tape-on-arm-and-neck-holes/">http://modernquiltlove.wordpress.com/2009/06/10/applying-bias-tape-on-arm-and-neck-holes/</a> </div>
<br />
Happy sewing!<br />
Mel<br />
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Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-20445051232448398182012-01-01T21:48:00.000+11:002012-01-01T21:48:21.272+11:00Happy New YearHi everyone. The blog has taken a back seat since I have been back to full time work, as have the sewing and early stages of the veggie gardening this spring. I had to buy a few punnets of seedlings for the first time ever this spring to supplement what I had time to grow from seed. I got over it quickly once I started harvesting pre-Christmas.<br />
<br />
Here are a few pics of the veggie patch almost five months after the last post. The veggies are definately benefitting from the removal of a large privet tree on the neighbor's side of the fence - many more full sun hours. This will probably be the last post again for a while since I'm back to work on Tuesday. Have a very happy and healthy 2012.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIOUYWElkpJ6j_0YDwCPAZqdxyUfiFXC64II3JfYt96R1KCko6rfQ6-Bz14k0lOVTBIcilMbzKk9xv7OCXMs8qlviCfk4g5xYTrXAI62_jTQ5NWEkSAxy-SULtcf8vTg7_mHD49E6rlgL/s1600/VegPatch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIOUYWElkpJ6j_0YDwCPAZqdxyUfiFXC64II3JfYt96R1KCko6rfQ6-Bz14k0lOVTBIcilMbzKk9xv7OCXMs8qlviCfk4g5xYTrXAI62_jTQ5NWEkSAxy-SULtcf8vTg7_mHD49E6rlgL/s320/VegPatch1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Leeks left to flower for the bees, apple cucumber, zucchini</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAFjNOTQxfMuKo_KzBmONDLlVYEivVEhDSNOUQumYSF36-WkSi4qSGozVpGs2a16vf57hKUrAC28IwiRWQCSDhIFVmCRuMR97pv_4v5LkJKAuSDWm3WzthWQpZsZ0W2OulYVsXFwmMnmK/s1600/VegPatch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAFjNOTQxfMuKo_KzBmONDLlVYEivVEhDSNOUQumYSF36-WkSi4qSGozVpGs2a16vf57hKUrAC28IwiRWQCSDhIFVmCRuMR97pv_4v5LkJKAuSDWm3WzthWQpZsZ0W2OulYVsXFwmMnmK/s320/VegPatch2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Lettuce, rainbow chard, beetroot, capsicum, tomatoes, fig in white pot</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrkbQqCkQN8f2Ks4nS2rzxf3qXWAEIBSDz9tl2UgnLLO13whT6uUZkqdaIUrLIAp1vVprsxN8q0Hxl3V4PETHzIbP12F9jtmKWLOc7KAf3iIVAuaPDiZ8gQ7cp9FYPaYb27S4Yog6FQvU/s1600/VegPatch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrkbQqCkQN8f2Ks4nS2rzxf3qXWAEIBSDz9tl2UgnLLO13whT6uUZkqdaIUrLIAp1vVprsxN8q0Hxl3V4PETHzIbP12F9jtmKWLOc7KAf3iIVAuaPDiZ8gQ7cp9FYPaYb27S4Yog6FQvU/s320/VegPatch3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>climbing beans, strawberries, squash, tomatoes, spinach, artichoke, basil</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXEckdkuKNpnj7oubmTdX0WLejKhknD206DvVWZL_QnrJrF4zI9Z43Lif6RPlOCzdieKUyPMn4BQSFJ9RGDzhg_eIIcoa5h-o30esW-CWvCPhyBcwXfYc4910WxZtCqCKNXumlNllUrfh/s1600/MaiBeanFlower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXEckdkuKNpnj7oubmTdX0WLejKhknD206DvVWZL_QnrJrF4zI9Z43Lif6RPlOCzdieKUyPMn4BQSFJ9RGDzhg_eIIcoa5h-o30esW-CWvCPhyBcwXfYc4910WxZtCqCKNXumlNllUrfh/s320/MaiBeanFlower.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>purple bean flower, Mai li</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJcQ9yD5NpMsXRp7fICno0Aw-Ebp2hp2EHM4PKXSVujtNSttEh61ZNHNQ-YObmavUyNomykM6DE60HsW3WxTm-SMJVD0pXTVmsSmS9EMW3qzIqHJDCTbs1wT4dUPDClrBUOiFAljQNMGz/s1600/PurpleBeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJcQ9yD5NpMsXRp7fICno0Aw-Ebp2hp2EHM4PKXSVujtNSttEh61ZNHNQ-YObmavUyNomykM6DE60HsW3WxTm-SMJVD0pXTVmsSmS9EMW3qzIqHJDCTbs1wT4dUPDClrBUOiFAljQNMGz/s320/PurpleBeans.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i> <i>Purple King beans</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div>BTW - My little asparagus corner yielded 1.8 kilos this year! Not bad for less than a square metre in it's fourth year since planting and second year of harvesting. Photos from September below (I can't believe how much everything has grown!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1kYvyjtD-rbAKJN7N82NtZT_NNB8MVGvdGjvSAU433CSSvdP_TFsMQ0m5H2OIkixpfw41hqKWq9VpKo8V8X5WvJKdhZAnkN8FCOZjMC7aKKAhPOc01VaL2Zjf5-HLxFE6EPAOS3eBoNA/s1600/AsparagusAug2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1kYvyjtD-rbAKJN7N82NtZT_NNB8MVGvdGjvSAU433CSSvdP_TFsMQ0m5H2OIkixpfw41hqKWq9VpKo8V8X5WvJKdhZAnkN8FCOZjMC7aKKAhPOc01VaL2Zjf5-HLxFE6EPAOS3eBoNA/s320/AsparagusAug2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyXEwmTDT_0MTqU8BS4ZOKLSVO1svAcLAuda2r4zKZ7k4klC51Mte6hXyxbHy6E-0ZGg3Zk_p-bW5q_-9uI1As8Wcsq0XnUoQxKzErObNQU0rO_7cWjk08yO7eqB7v_WG2S56zf_l0FPO/s1600/AsparagusNov2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyXEwmTDT_0MTqU8BS4ZOKLSVO1svAcLAuda2r4zKZ7k4klC51Mte6hXyxbHy6E-0ZGg3Zk_p-bW5q_-9uI1As8Wcsq0XnUoQxKzErObNQU0rO_7cWjk08yO7eqB7v_WG2S56zf_l0FPO/s320/AsparagusNov2011.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-38855329091640866702011-08-14T18:40:00.003+10:002011-08-14T20:33:28.021+10:00The DirtFinally something to post! It has been a long cold rainy winter. No veggie gardening and no sewing to speak of, so nothing to blog about for a while. I usually post pretty gardening pics but today it's just the dirt. While the sun was shining I weeded, added blood and bone and sowed a very late (but not too late) green manure crop of mustard seed. So here's my blank canvas for next season, with the asparagus coming up in the narrow patch under the clothesline!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmneJZiC91du0yrqMm1sxMBsC5tVXtBKLIsNowzK3cPcVXLa0fKSro0yb5cjJJrd0pG5AI-dafA_XGzDOPknUhfhGacmit98q9QcD3__wAOgyJNBjkGMVG2ipBtEBHGRs3tqgnJfJoHQG/s1600/Dirt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmneJZiC91du0yrqMm1sxMBsC5tVXtBKLIsNowzK3cPcVXLa0fKSro0yb5cjJJrd0pG5AI-dafA_XGzDOPknUhfhGacmit98q9QcD3__wAOgyJNBjkGMVG2ipBtEBHGRs3tqgnJfJoHQG/s400/Dirt2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Weeded, mostly cleared, levelled and mustard seed sown .I left some leeks in the front, Marigolds in the back and Salad Burnett and garlic on the edges.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NRKoL-W4iNax7eF-jf3kAJvrmpWQs3apM4qDXlova5fbqChU_1iiDAqeIWnT2Ui00tqQ_ICGhhiDiezxteXY0LtxzA5FuzBxToTz9jy-o5x6fqeiA7MS1ORTrOo7FZb2N3iZ7up4m3YN/s1600/Dirt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NRKoL-W4iNax7eF-jf3kAJvrmpWQs3apM4qDXlova5fbqChU_1iiDAqeIWnT2Ui00tqQ_ICGhhiDiezxteXY0LtxzA5FuzBxToTz9jy-o5x6fqeiA7MS1ORTrOo7FZb2N3iZ7up4m3YN/s400/Dirt1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Asparagus coming up in the front, Artichoke behind it, some Strawberries and a rogue Spinach towards the back. Otherwise lovely dirt! This is a really unattractive back yard this time of year as you can tell from my neighbor's bins and carport to the left, Hills Hoist to the right. I pulled out the last of the broccoli in this patch and am having that for dinner tonight - yum! </div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-704553404413904082011-06-27T22:46:00.001+10:002011-06-27T22:49:21.149+10:00How Not To Act OldI saw this poem by<a href="http://www.pamelaredmondsatran.com/"> Pamela Redmond Satran</a> recently and thought I would share it. It is very apt for much of what is happening in my life right now!<br />
<br />
<b>A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...</b><br />
enough money within her control to move out<br />
and rent a place of her own,<br />
even if she never wants to or needs to...<br />
something perfect to wear if the employer,<br />
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...<br />
<br />
<b>A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...</b><br />
a youth she's content to leave behind....<br />
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to<br />
retelling it in her old age....<br />
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...<br />
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...<br />
<br />
<b>A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...</b><br />
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...<br />
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,<br />
and a recipe for a meal,<br />
that will make her guests feel honoured...<br />
<br />
<b>A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...</b><br />
a feeling of control over her destiny...<br />
how to fall in love without losing herself..<br />
<br />
<b>EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...</b><br />
how to quit a job,<br />
break up with a lover,<br />
and confront a friend without;<br />
ruining the friendship...<br />
<br />
<b>EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...</b><br />
when to try harder... and <b><u>WHEN TO WALK AWAY</u>...</b><br />
<br />
<b>EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...</b><br />
that she can't change the length of her calves,<br />
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..<br />
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...<br />
<br />
<b>EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...</b><br />
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...<br />
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...<br />
<br />
<b>EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... </b><br />
whom she can trust,<br />
whom she can't,<br />
and why she shouldn't take it personally...<br />
<br />
<b>EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...</b><br />
where to go...<br />
be it to her best friend's kitchen table..<br />
or a charming Inn in the woods...<br />
when her soul needs soothing...<br />
<br />
<b>EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...</b><br />
What she can and can't accomplish in a day...<br />
a month...and a year...<br />
<br />
The poem's author, Pamela Redmond Satran, also has a great blog called <a href="http://www.hownottoactold.com/">How Not To Act Old</a>. One of my favorite posts is <a href="http://www.hownottoactold.com/2008/07/17/68-mooch-off-your-parents/">#68 Mooch Off Your Parents</a>... <i>'</i><i>Catherine Finn, who is a bona fide futurist with a Washington firm called <a href="http://www.socialtechnologies.com/">Social Technologies</a>, advises those who don’t want to act old: “Be over-dependent on your parents. Have them lend you money or buy you something you really don’t need. Go a step further and move in with your parents. Then complain about how terrible it is to live with your parents." </i>Hehehe<br />
<br />
Strangely enough, the above poem is often mis-credited to <a href="http://mayaangelou.com/">Maya Angelou</a>.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-13789454113064637982011-06-21T18:45:00.000+10:002011-06-21T18:45:58.826+10:00Olive Mellor 'Grow Your Own'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVHEPBzqsJl4JbcDsxeITjBiGwS7p9pQF6kOblA7Vsxv2K5LTutf6PVBk9L-HjBOFvoy0YlrlsjFTOSxHUMdF1QoAkABdgd3tdefo7GWcSUZDpwaUpSZmdKxyG1uE8WwP9c2sXmpKuT_u/s1600/MellorCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVHEPBzqsJl4JbcDsxeITjBiGwS7p9pQF6kOblA7Vsxv2K5LTutf6PVBk9L-HjBOFvoy0YlrlsjFTOSxHUMdF1QoAkABdgd3tdefo7GWcSUZDpwaUpSZmdKxyG1uE8WwP9c2sXmpKuT_u/s320/MellorCover.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>Here are a few pages from a Herald Sun publication by <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/walling/info/pages/t697.htm">Olive Mellor</a>. There's no date, but I would say it's probably 1950's. I can't find any information about this publication in the National Library catalogue or anywhere else online. Olive Mellor taught horticulture for many years at <a href="http://www.fobg.org.au/about.htm">Burnley </a>and wrote for the Australian Home Beautiful. She also designed more than 500 gardens and was one of the first full-time female students at Burnley Horticultural College (for which she had to receive special permission from the Minister for Agriculture). She was a lecturer when <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/walling/edna/default.htm">Edna Walling </a>attended Burnley and one of her contemporaries. I feel honored to have taught my Burnley students (when I was lecturing) in the same plots down in the Burnley Field Station.<br />
<br />
Here's a calendar for growing vegetables in the home garden in Melbourne, complete with when to spray your D.D.T.! Nothing organic in those days - it was all about using the new wonder chemicals to maximise yield and feed the masses post WWII. Chemicals were all about increasing food production and minimising the waste caused by pests and plant diseases.<br />
<br />
Scroll down for a table of what to plant when to feed a family of four for the year including how much seed and how many seedlings are required and how much space is needed<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwlZBab-YA5AzGkBd0mfyR2vJgEfIGYgmBvqsMawEeZo-D5o__TRDZR83NAT-DCSQwS1-Jkos-KMF2tGB_VoS_NsErPfc2GUdMj768OLXQ8tmvQiPv20sgqM-OIAkZ6gyEZAJGcVlAHei/s1600/Calendar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwlZBab-YA5AzGkBd0mfyR2vJgEfIGYgmBvqsMawEeZo-D5o__TRDZR83NAT-DCSQwS1-Jkos-KMF2tGB_VoS_NsErPfc2GUdMj768OLXQ8tmvQiPv20sgqM-OIAkZ6gyEZAJGcVlAHei/s320/Calendar1.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Calendar - January and February (click on image for larger version)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQa9YCuibanG9MtUW-MbCzPMOVQCejIWXozOdU6BPLnZfwyFS5DZvfVkjXB2V8ChUg1gdvRcTv8QlLQUYCFKQwMgzXFCUUzfHo-4uK5nADQOxfbIaFJ2hHvPkNTOd4-ZoMNCLGJudulzVr/s1600/Calendar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQa9YCuibanG9MtUW-MbCzPMOVQCejIWXozOdU6BPLnZfwyFS5DZvfVkjXB2V8ChUg1gdvRcTv8QlLQUYCFKQwMgzXFCUUzfHo-4uK5nADQOxfbIaFJ2hHvPkNTOd4-ZoMNCLGJudulzVr/s320/Calendar2.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Calendar - March to July (click on image for larger version)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS-xq9oz58tAsJhrySKeudJEqnHzfXPpmksNL-lHouXHhWrB4ltfMH0QM35qra7uNlkLPqUCCn6SQWZci2D-GmfzowWG1IlahJjA_T9nbxh5tw3bca_1IszzOygxcI-avwAhBUL-ZhLTe/s1600/Calendar3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS-xq9oz58tAsJhrySKeudJEqnHzfXPpmksNL-lHouXHhWrB4ltfMH0QM35qra7uNlkLPqUCCn6SQWZci2D-GmfzowWG1IlahJjA_T9nbxh5tw3bca_1IszzOygxcI-avwAhBUL-ZhLTe/s320/Calendar3.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Calendar - August to December (click on image for larger version)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3HcsjRLq84deyXHvPMrreP3U8rSL87VFf2R41dV7nM8_8vaP5O8i7-pFnN0jypIxeXIlVMpswCll2XJmmUlb7vhvJL5fGBL77-JBGlLc7AuZeKv6bqoaUvBW8T1AlaUeBtl2DGvIy_iL/s1600/supply+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3HcsjRLq84deyXHvPMrreP3U8rSL87VFf2R41dV7nM8_8vaP5O8i7-pFnN0jypIxeXIlVMpswCll2XJmmUlb7vhvJL5fGBL77-JBGlLc7AuZeKv6bqoaUvBW8T1AlaUeBtl2DGvIy_iL/s320/supply+table.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">What to plant to keep the family in veggies all year! (click on image for larger version)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5foINYSuAqMz-pKC6rdfw001lJNC07QXJVtgE6AQGR0gyL9doDwxEwexmcO5iOtENCTkvoyJMOFh-XWWKJxIlCmpddFkabh9u8tXB3yLlWDaS9GwrBEqPhgs_sooqObyd461LewNJumO/s1600/MellorBackSnailKill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5foINYSuAqMz-pKC6rdfw001lJNC07QXJVtgE6AQGR0gyL9doDwxEwexmcO5iOtENCTkvoyJMOFh-XWWKJxIlCmpddFkabh9u8tXB3yLlWDaS9GwrBEqPhgs_sooqObyd461LewNJumO/s320/MellorBackSnailKill.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Advert for snail killer on the back cover. Metaldehyde is still a main ingredient used in snail pellets today. It is <b>highly toxic and often deadly</b> to pets and small children. Note the happy couple with knee-high lettuces but no children or animals to be seen - clever marketing! I love the bright colors in this ad and the sense of easy instant action implied by the numbers <i>"Better in 3 ways" </i>and the highlighted words "<i>Change</i>", <i>"New", "Better than ever", "WORLD'S BEST", "SUPERCHARGED"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Remember, these were the days when D.D.T. was sprayed liberally by the truckload into the air in residential neighborhoods to cut down on mosquitos in the spring and summer - both in the U.S. and Australia. We still get sprayed with insecticides before we get off the plane from any international flight arriving in Australia, so some things really haven't changed! Personally though, I find a jar with with a little beer half-buried in the veggie-patch works just fine to kill the slugs and snails and doesn't hurt anyone. They crawl in and die a happy death. I just have to hold my nose when I'm setting it out because I can't stand the smell of beer!</div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-44873360039152215422011-06-16T15:42:00.000+10:002011-06-16T15:42:56.084+10:00Vintage Storage Solutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV487E655KuDXzmQy7wXpmmGis4ViTbEvqgHtMQsTACMwHUDeLDUZSF6-tg_VFuZLlmBvUIfdinsEgb162pJOLpnSqWDn0gIY_bmaD-3lnCclC391Akq3KRJvQFAv99MxxgHBiwVrUJTa0/s1600/caes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV487E655KuDXzmQy7wXpmmGis4ViTbEvqgHtMQsTACMwHUDeLDUZSF6-tg_VFuZLlmBvUIfdinsEgb162pJOLpnSqWDn0gIY_bmaD-3lnCclC391Akq3KRJvQFAv99MxxgHBiwVrUJTa0/s320/caes.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>With only one teeny-tiny closet in my abode I have had to come up with with some creative and attractive storage solutions. I started collecting old interesting suitcases a while ago and purchase more when needed. These are two that I got recently on Ebay for about $15 each.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMb8ThEmGnUoyLnN8gkRXKW4Q_GtLj3yCAGVMzz0rNwth4OYD0O-Wmzcr4xmLl89S1lO9_bMjvZsUWSCYEKO8G5ziRVJbT_hf8EzaV7EL3Pi829vb7cTBhHbhKkiByCA7mmQpeQK0akY1g/s1600/ribbons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMb8ThEmGnUoyLnN8gkRXKW4Q_GtLj3yCAGVMzz0rNwth4OYD0O-Wmzcr4xmLl89S1lO9_bMjvZsUWSCYEKO8G5ziRVJbT_hf8EzaV7EL3Pi829vb7cTBhHbhKkiByCA7mmQpeQK0akY1g/s320/ribbons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The smaller 'Sky-Chief' fibreboard case holds trims sorted by colour in zip-lock bags. I love the patterns inside and out on this one and the burgundy-coloured plastic (maybe bakelite?) handle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqhPlf0HHBshyphenhyphentAtQRYo5EgjxKZBNAp9sxVsfwXjcpmlh79K_xHNSz9kBZVK7qscKASYhXR4YgS_yOqvxrvS9SZcrS76PYhtbMeXCdnXkpEdtZlfELFJ6WFIiKjckm8dz_rrpidZUjv8z/s1600/sewingstorage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqhPlf0HHBshyphenhyphentAtQRYo5EgjxKZBNAp9sxVsfwXjcpmlh79K_xHNSz9kBZVK7qscKASYhXR4YgS_yOqvxrvS9SZcrS76PYhtbMeXCdnXkpEdtZlfELFJ6WFIiKjckm8dz_rrpidZUjv8z/s320/sewingstorage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the 'sewing corner' of my bedroom. The Singer sewing table is just to the left. I keep my fabric stash in the blue and green cases (from the Salvos and Chapel St Bazaar). Current-ish project fabric goes in the pink 'Miso Pretty' shopping bag so I can get to it easily (or forget about it completely as the case is with what's in there now!). My old blue-beast 'Automatic Zig-zag' machine is in the blue case on the right.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ty3RZyzJwjoIODSf7FnZIV7zMggAyjpiD209Qhh7bbyvfprCN_ioOEMlnWhGBv5sMPLvFDp5rISieaEMCh4dcJZhbwRzt_93yETGxTGc-0jcQgrM-YTSyg9Nrl7F_lmoJj8607acEhpS/s1600/patternboxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ty3RZyzJwjoIODSf7FnZIV7zMggAyjpiD209Qhh7bbyvfprCN_ioOEMlnWhGBv5sMPLvFDp5rISieaEMCh4dcJZhbwRzt_93yETGxTGc-0jcQgrM-YTSyg9Nrl7F_lmoJj8607acEhpS/s320/patternboxes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Decoupaged boxes for patterns. Everyone else seems to like the photocopied vintage pattern box the best. I like the black, white and brown one more! It's made from pages of an old genetics textbook (there's a big double-helix under the chicken on the bottom of the pic) and a craft book I found at the Salvos. It sort of sums up my interests and I like the texture and quality of the old book pages.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SW5o4iMCDRdjelPtuen_4gNRqOJpYX96uv1muH2SmkbVOGd-jzKOixic4aBhmoEibqUnsUxuXMjmveRRq2R9H995WeUXBq-OFgiDwCqFwaGG_FmCDiiQ4f8CGZSfwA3hkG2zSJooyHN3/s1600/linenbasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SW5o4iMCDRdjelPtuen_4gNRqOJpYX96uv1muH2SmkbVOGd-jzKOixic4aBhmoEibqUnsUxuXMjmveRRq2R9H995WeUXBq-OFgiDwCqFwaGG_FmCDiiQ4f8CGZSfwA3hkG2zSJooyHN3/s320/linenbasket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My linen storage. A cane suitcase purchased on Ebay and an old laundry basket that a neighbor was tossing out.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWn54KzpXTQEhcysojxDl2FCYHKi99e861ZXq1XUG49P4X2yq8czuxFgLK4p6YN3k5c4JayRiG1L2GkKeBueKKYH8HyRK-mwpVHye7MZ1x9PDeol3A3beh5dZXvimF70qpf3K_bt3lpJXn/s1600/MaiBasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWn54KzpXTQEhcysojxDl2FCYHKi99e861ZXq1XUG49P4X2yq8czuxFgLK4p6YN3k5c4JayRiG1L2GkKeBueKKYH8HyRK-mwpVHye7MZ1x9PDeol3A3beh5dZXvimF70qpf3K_bt3lpJXn/s320/MaiBasket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Are there any treaty-treats in there?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UD9zxax2iEtzXV3yGGtR66Lofua0t2g1srvEr71Z0X5WOxZaRIQJH-wNOvMepfB6eYOCLasb03Idq8Tm39GGtB2ITseq_-CfcWi3VspVQEkJsS-lKl1cKoJHX5p4STSuHcdzu5hvZ7zJ/s1600/tag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UD9zxax2iEtzXV3yGGtR66Lofua0t2g1srvEr71Z0X5WOxZaRIQJH-wNOvMepfB6eYOCLasb03Idq8Tm39GGtB2ITseq_-CfcWi3VspVQEkJsS-lKl1cKoJHX5p4STSuHcdzu5hvZ7zJ/s320/tag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The woman who sold this to me said this was the case her parents used when they migrated to Australia from England. It had been in storage since then and still had the original ID tag. I love the history behind this one! Next to it is a linen sachet in an antique flower-packet fabric from <a href="http://luccello.blogspot.com/">l'ucello</a>. She sells these at Klein's perfumery if you can't get into her lovely shop on the city and they are divine! I bought a bunch of them for gifts and had to keep some for myself...that seems to happen with most things I buy from l'ucello!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHx-hiir1cnu2GxgFP6mdOOFkcxjlw10KjF6dcupYYyAlEhli8A2g7f7eFi_y9h5kLEqE9FtsGNN_zHpM2hogFyZSV8ZUMAMfWBmzR2SxGNxeCyIjEH3GTfOuqbryHCrQBd7mRiEqHt1C/s1600/sticker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHx-hiir1cnu2GxgFP6mdOOFkcxjlw10KjF6dcupYYyAlEhli8A2g7f7eFi_y9h5kLEqE9FtsGNN_zHpM2hogFyZSV8ZUMAMfWBmzR2SxGNxeCyIjEH3GTfOuqbryHCrQBd7mRiEqHt1C/s320/sticker.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The original P&O Orient Lines sticker on the outside of the case.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I remember when I was very young my mother used to hang big <a href="http://www.npl.org/Pages/ProgramsExhibits/Exhibits/shop08.html">brightly-coloured department store shopping bags</a> on the wall of my room to store toys. Everything got swept up at the end of the day and tossed into the bags on the walls. We lived in Greenwich, Connecticut and there was something very special when I was a kid about having bags from 'The City' (New York) on display all the time. It reminded me of train rides into New York and grown-up lunches at Bloomingdale's by the big <a href="http://www.skovsantik.dk/Bjorn%20Wiinblads%20verksted%20pottery.htm">Bjorn Wiinblad</a> ceramic fountain (although I think the fountain might have been in the Stamford, CT Bloomingdale's- it was still <i>very </i>grown up). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What are your storage solutions? I would love to hear!</div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-57783382720685367882011-06-09T19:31:00.001+10:002011-06-09T21:58:37.256+10:00Retro Butterick Robe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLK1x1zXzIT_0UQNHD5HxnWbJNifOZKlGkDvqoLODS0nOBdExmf_JOfRMUtzicCrr8bZX6iJydJQDHQLP-8HdimuGJzNN8XkA-sIoSFNj4vmuwMWSjzMLCwdzOen-jhaGskeQufOgP_G3Z/s1600/Robe1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLK1x1zXzIT_0UQNHD5HxnWbJNifOZKlGkDvqoLODS0nOBdExmf_JOfRMUtzicCrr8bZX6iJydJQDHQLP-8HdimuGJzNN8XkA-sIoSFNj4vmuwMWSjzMLCwdzOen-jhaGskeQufOgP_G3Z/s320/Robe1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Retro Butterick 5152</div><div style="text-align: center;">Materials: midnight-blue crushed velvet, dark-grey cord for frog closures, shoulder pads</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tools: overlocker, sewing-machine (before I bought my walking foot - aaargh!), hand-basting, Clover Asian Knot templates</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6hfjGim_nKO0jRu2mvf1V8HcaLjE1yNR2K9Jdz29K1zuF9aY75IZOPn4FT0ll5PPBxtQX_LcIYz1OHlpjywGDxeDOgAydWn8Yv781eEpmRL_8Dvo3V4bGX_-pwtOCys9iJrSvHB9lPFc/s1600/Robedetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6hfjGim_nKO0jRu2mvf1V8HcaLjE1yNR2K9Jdz29K1zuF9aY75IZOPn4FT0ll5PPBxtQX_LcIYz1OHlpjywGDxeDOgAydWn8Yv781eEpmRL_8Dvo3V4bGX_-pwtOCys9iJrSvHB9lPFc/s320/Robedetail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Front waistline detail</div><div style="text-align: center;">The waist was very low and I took out about 7cm when I overlocked the inside seams</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PgBGrO7XVxOvKkIuoiu0zNRb6ZHQbTnhNO7hiD2WP70uo5x_o8aLNev_k14omij_bt5Lf0Nu4tpQmzHLRHEfpVhAzgvjT7dkJt2vihVOk7hFksgqcmMAs55yJZa80IyBJC4c50luoKgz/s1600/Robeback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PgBGrO7XVxOvKkIuoiu0zNRb6ZHQbTnhNO7hiD2WP70uo5x_o8aLNev_k14omij_bt5Lf0Nu4tpQmzHLRHEfpVhAzgvjT7dkJt2vihVOk7hFksgqcmMAs55yJZa80IyBJC4c50luoKgz/s320/Robeback.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Robe Back</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21ZqsU9_o66Hc7cy1Q4uUNyHfo-BEplb2x0zRMZgoFrXOnK_70fytKRc6aTW39tazPYgpw6C0TPuPIzz4tlTTXYElcJ7EiEI6RoAh77h6L6d6sacSmRnvdoZiG_842m-9VSD3lx-ychXa/s1600/frog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21ZqsU9_o66Hc7cy1Q4uUNyHfo-BEplb2x0zRMZgoFrXOnK_70fytKRc6aTW39tazPYgpw6C0TPuPIzz4tlTTXYElcJ7EiEI6RoAh77h6L6d6sacSmRnvdoZiG_842m-9VSD3lx-ychXa/s320/frog1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Frog closure at wrist</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtc-uEbmPUxiSOA_WlaGeLEq3O3ctGwYnw8bVivol56VNw2J8nrIczxob8XViJnLpkmL_0uyFqoxjuqT-2HbP_TsFePdCzB3QUnkc33Q8bA1x7AWEOjRNsgE2uMp-aKEN2Q6itDyiz0Ft/s1600/B5152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8-geI4JsULO8awcnUwhGSiW5v99MbNkupNQluiITaBUI1tSEvn-IUwEgVSX9LHxAEyes6A9ntkWgNiSSSYIXBV6whzjRTNbGLJ75ze54LflVFVGzwVq8HYRTLBdsVZRllUIsbITM3_yD/s1600/asianknot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8-geI4JsULO8awcnUwhGSiW5v99MbNkupNQluiITaBUI1tSEvn-IUwEgVSX9LHxAEyes6A9ntkWgNiSSSYIXBV6whzjRTNbGLJ75ze54LflVFVGzwVq8HYRTLBdsVZRllUIsbITM3_yD/s320/asianknot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Clover Asian Knot templates</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtc-uEbmPUxiSOA_WlaGeLEq3O3ctGwYnw8bVivol56VNw2J8nrIczxob8XViJnLpkmL_0uyFqoxjuqT-2HbP_TsFePdCzB3QUnkc33Q8bA1x7AWEOjRNsgE2uMp-aKEN2Q6itDyiz0Ft/s1600/B5152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtc-uEbmPUxiSOA_WlaGeLEq3O3ctGwYnw8bVivol56VNw2J8nrIczxob8XViJnLpkmL_0uyFqoxjuqT-2HbP_TsFePdCzB3QUnkc33Q8bA1x7AWEOjRNsgE2uMp-aKEN2Q6itDyiz0Ft/s320/B5152.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Image from Retro Butterick B5152 pattern envelope cover<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnZyUysmhKOOnz7IAO3s0HJXPeCWq162vYtoyvltnFE2e1JmsLlinvbyyhcxpLLLc9OatjtAphK6hfd_d7aVGDc43JLa2YgNcJ7ZoOA35PKafl7ebCoq4YbdwawWhTXN2B4lmfJ-c2m9m/s1600/Robe2sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnZyUysmhKOOnz7IAO3s0HJXPeCWq162vYtoyvltnFE2e1JmsLlinvbyyhcxpLLLc9OatjtAphK6hfd_d7aVGDc43JLa2YgNcJ7ZoOA35PKafl7ebCoq4YbdwawWhTXN2B4lmfJ-c2m9m/s320/Robe2sm.jpg" width="173" /></a></div></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-87875286062025089722011-05-26T21:52:00.001+10:002011-05-26T21:54:39.190+10:00Boroondara Sustainability Award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUMU5oGO4zOEK-TDcaufy6Yiu840-opgdZP91GDstZh68uiUf0f78_61If7XT09zX35UxgtAZQ0k38YXL_UzncOEoNeNnsLlE_vdftT2DZwWxIC-uM7mKPjs8wFv3LRKJTNeoJY4dd-ty/s1600/BoroondaraSustainAwa53954D_w250_h200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUMU5oGO4zOEK-TDcaufy6Yiu840-opgdZP91GDstZh68uiUf0f78_61If7XT09zX35UxgtAZQ0k38YXL_UzncOEoNeNnsLlE_vdftT2DZwWxIC-uM7mKPjs8wFv3LRKJTNeoJY4dd-ty/s1600/BoroondaraSustainAwa53954D_w250_h200.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Thank you to the City of Boroondara! I just found out that I received a special commendation in the <a href="http://boroondara.vic.gov.au/our-city/environment/sustainability-awards">2010 Sustainability Awards</a>, <b>Sustainable Gardens <span style="font-weight: normal;">category</span></b> <i>'For showing how tenants can improve common areas and fostering a sense of community through productive gardening.' </i>This also goes to my partner John who built the raised beds and helps out with seed every year, Alan next door who looks after the compost heap and my landlord who has let me do what I want with the backyard. It's mostly my baby, but I do share a backyard with two neighbors and wouldn't be able to do it if they weren't in favour of having it there.<br />
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These are the photos from my submission last December: <br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Building the raised patch from old sleepers</b></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There was an old asbestos shed in this spot that had to be removed. The landlord was completely agreeable to a veggie patch being built on the site. The old clothes-washing copper from the shed now has plants in it (lower right). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7eR2lvIpfzjX2L-22Cx-qACMCmHY-vsd_4I2PcCCFq09otXyDGz-lNBTf2uDZTH05sq2aSLRPSqV8yEx-WW0pVTjtyggQ7uk0J3qvVBknA0gCReYRW-NfjkobtxMHvOJGJZkZzspLAL8/s1600/DSC00536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7eR2lvIpfzjX2L-22Cx-qACMCmHY-vsd_4I2PcCCFq09otXyDGz-lNBTf2uDZTH05sq2aSLRPSqV8yEx-WW0pVTjtyggQ7uk0J3qvVBknA0gCReYRW-NfjkobtxMHvOJGJZkZzspLAL8/s320/DSC00536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Climbers by the carport</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heritage varieties of green beans, eggplant, asparagus, peppers and basil. You can get creative with where to grow food when you have limited space.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhleG3plj5b6SyJ1eKg0AZlgoO9jZLlcY1CwLK-pqKbSjBPfDa-edsy7dwHtfVxBBMLZ3AW0fBIsjneN-CdUrN6MhnhTmuUIM2nw8g2hYoDgHMMzjZjF_JnZIstnwN8mhhs2yzeIXJHD8H/s1600/Beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhleG3plj5b6SyJ1eKg0AZlgoO9jZLlcY1CwLK-pqKbSjBPfDa-edsy7dwHtfVxBBMLZ3AW0fBIsjneN-CdUrN6MhnhTmuUIM2nw8g2hYoDgHMMzjZjF_JnZIstnwN8mhhs2yzeIXJHD8H/s320/Beans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Potatoes in Autumn 2010</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhban8E7gIGXfMQbWqV04dI4icaLRz91oH9qTMyOokYktCQxxDi2AnYKI9znP9TnLT1M0YOL14AHdkw6XOTcE2WhY9Zp4OwRWJX5pYEcuDiFCLdNdWuhIiep4VSGtwDCu9liv1uWPKVIK8/s1600/potato.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhban8E7gIGXfMQbWqV04dI4icaLRz91oH9qTMyOokYktCQxxDi2AnYKI9znP9TnLT1M0YOL14AHdkw6XOTcE2WhY9Zp4OwRWJX5pYEcuDiFCLdNdWuhIiep4VSGtwDCu9liv1uWPKVIK8/s320/potato.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b> ‘Listada di gandia’ heritage variety eggplant</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ULhV9pj4QmKStNRWPYCUuSjodoq0aQ5vy6BZOo6fZ8k3y59o9ggEv5MwCJfjOE-kqhVcVs1cn4PZhVlkMxJQMHCnzLdyOrusQPnff5Vlg1B8Qy5p42Q2Caff7cMHfXLx-XJcHiU8YLp2/s1600/eggplant1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ULhV9pj4QmKStNRWPYCUuSjodoq0aQ5vy6BZOo6fZ8k3y59o9ggEv5MwCJfjOE-kqhVcVs1cn4PZhVlkMxJQMHCnzLdyOrusQPnff5Vlg1B8Qy5p42Q2Caff7cMHfXLx-XJcHiU8YLp2/s320/eggplant1.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dinner!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Spring onions, heritage lettuce varieties, nasturtium, broccoli, beetroot leaves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8V81pddJ-8qJDblnTKSgcZyTl1TLqRn8NHVbWZgsVBewU_FP6hJZBLi2lvRCyNYZmU6UhiSi94umeB_HM9MOm-460PnMw3iS6QjNzsBLbk4ZdgrDcCPQWA70caYdCVK_1F3gghuyOlNz-/s1600/DSC00743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8V81pddJ-8qJDblnTKSgcZyTl1TLqRn8NHVbWZgsVBewU_FP6hJZBLi2lvRCyNYZmU6UhiSi94umeB_HM9MOm-460PnMw3iS6QjNzsBLbk4ZdgrDcCPQWA70caYdCVK_1F3gghuyOlNz-/s320/DSC00743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Green Manure crop grown in Winter 2010</b></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This was dug into the garden to add nitrogen and improve the soil texture </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OhsyXxL_WtzP2nbVOvKi2Zo51GMwi1DpCW7r9DVTZMQDF27bwdP2GHjNz_ZFz5LzitsEK24NPXEHNVK2siRgfs-Hoe6ogueUsiciDxk8-IpkXyMuA4lI3FSByZDV4G-ON9roes0AAplb/s1600/P1030010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OhsyXxL_WtzP2nbVOvKi2Zo51GMwi1DpCW7r9DVTZMQDF27bwdP2GHjNz_ZFz5LzitsEK24NPXEHNVK2siRgfs-Hoe6ogueUsiciDxk8-IpkXyMuA4lI3FSByZDV4G-ON9roes0AAplb/s320/P1030010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>A local visitor</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We always have interesting birds and bugs in the garden!</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1l2FC4yvaxz6LVJoLDtBFz2mOO0hAt-kndxswE1rz7UPtdrODzhyGPuooZPYnHg1MwsusraKy0eyOEV93Zm5YTCvaxELjV-1OiPJOzkGc0vVYGMHhoKRSCokd2tteR-OvI1WAjUJpZ3r-/s1600/Dragonfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1l2FC4yvaxz6LVJoLDtBFz2mOO0hAt-kndxswE1rz7UPtdrODzhyGPuooZPYnHg1MwsusraKy0eyOEV93Zm5YTCvaxELjV-1OiPJOzkGc0vVYGMHhoKRSCokd2tteR-OvI1WAjUJpZ3r-/s320/Dragonfly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-2284911507921647452011-05-19T17:17:00.002+10:002011-05-19T17:47:18.664+10:00Spicy Goodness<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4ZPOLHX8WuEE094sYatfJ9feY5e-LiEgLBQvR78WFagZiWY2zLaK0OGfNEQ92LTXjPiEcx42IbmVn8PRQCXkjUvmi5hQiilY3NMYqE8PX3gGYYHvQ0Hntib2sn8kY2kCKnBgsX_K9iA4/s1600/Tabasco1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4ZPOLHX8WuEE094sYatfJ9feY5e-LiEgLBQvR78WFagZiWY2zLaK0OGfNEQ92LTXjPiEcx42IbmVn8PRQCXkjUvmi5hQiilY3NMYqE8PX3gGYYHvQ0Hntib2sn8kY2kCKnBgsX_K9iA4/s320/Tabasco1a.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><br />
Mmmm....Tabasco! Full of Spicy Goodness. I put on almost everything except my cereal. I love the taste, I love the colour, the shape and size of the bottle and I love the branding. It's an iconic item that I can't live without. To me, the <a href="http://www.tabasco.com/tabasco_tent/pepper_sauce/red_pepper_sauce.cfm">Tabasco </a>bottle is to the USA what the <a href="http://www.kraftbrands.com/kraftvegemite/Pages/product-information-vegemite.aspx">Vegemite </a>jar is to Australia. So what better to do than embroider it?! I started this months ago and just finished it. It began on a piece of gold velvet corduroy that was leftover from making a dog cushion for Mai-li. I didn't know what the final product would become and it turned out to be just the right size and thickness for a sunglasses case.<br />
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First, I traced the full-size image onto water-soluble stabiliser from an embroidery shop, with a water-soluble pen. This is the box from the big 12oz/355ml bottles I get at Costco (these last me about 6 months. The litle bottles only last a few weeks in my house!).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-1OAZjb4moI3WqLRE19UwvZPKEvcN4peUGP1UafeN66lZg20w6T8XLgInwvaEijfhPJafM6Csou7d3zL91xQnd1A_xIJS-tjC_E60m2yzC9ciw2rePi31vtucqU0D0aevr-ya_Tga2MB/s1600/Tabasco2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-1OAZjb4moI3WqLRE19UwvZPKEvcN4peUGP1UafeN66lZg20w6T8XLgInwvaEijfhPJafM6Csou7d3zL91xQnd1A_xIJS-tjC_E60m2yzC9ciw2rePi31vtucqU0D0aevr-ya_Tga2MB/s320/Tabasco2.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcNsnkTGAO2TGdDCHPwRE6eXDs1uWa4-OmalByhDNEQi9g3CY-7LID8mfUfmCrB4sOoCM85Cojajzc5aQ1bzyBdhREyuHYkfwE01Qzp_805qEYnJUGhan-DFQCHsbNF8nuspeA79B29KJ/s1600/TabBottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcNsnkTGAO2TGdDCHPwRE6eXDs1uWa4-OmalByhDNEQi9g3CY-7LID8mfUfmCrB4sOoCM85Cojajzc5aQ1bzyBdhREyuHYkfwE01Qzp_805qEYnJUGhan-DFQCHsbNF8nuspeA79B29KJ/s320/TabBottle.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><br />
I used a couple of different colours of red and green, split stitch and stem stitch for most of it, and satin stitch to fill in the bigger letters. I free-handed the shadowing stitches on the bottle and label rather than tracing them.<br />
<br />
My initial concern about loose stitches on the thick textured fabric was justified. You'll notice that the stitches in the diamond-shaped border came loose when I turned the fabric right-side-out after sewing the case together. I'll fix up those stitches at some point. I was also using beeswax on the floss in the beginning and then switched to <a href="http://www.threadheaven.com/">Thread Heaven</a>. The thread with beeswax (ie; the word 'TABASCO') is a bit dulled. All in all, it was an experiment that I'm pretty happy with <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_3CrDe-tw0Ggu2WMyNcyndkIyADaMuuzm5VFsFYtUAJRwlydlZ7QDf4FnGkjtkFVwcXQR_SdUehP9g75WoLvd33FEpWwMH_RKDlRNPo1UhyphenhyphensprPg57WT412ZCUS7K20jo21qT5l_Viev/s1600/TabSewing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_3CrDe-tw0Ggu2WMyNcyndkIyADaMuuzm5VFsFYtUAJRwlydlZ7QDf4FnGkjtkFVwcXQR_SdUehP9g75WoLvd33FEpWwMH_RKDlRNPo1UhyphenhyphensprPg57WT412ZCUS7K20jo21qT5l_Viev/s320/TabSewing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivS3HvP_1eUmQr7Hvm_Cqw3CJpQo7pGCYE1NNsNlsPJnnLOzjwduaPfCxBecL6aFTkjxVbQ7fjFs8gVYuRb-MkgcHVvyJF5xZdMhhtzNTEmHpUiRekd69AJ2DGWiZPRuzWq0VgVyE6UWl/s1600/Tabasc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivS3HvP_1eUmQr7Hvm_Cqw3CJpQo7pGCYE1NNsNlsPJnnLOzjwduaPfCxBecL6aFTkjxVbQ7fjFs8gVYuRb-MkgcHVvyJF5xZdMhhtzNTEmHpUiRekd69AJ2DGWiZPRuzWq0VgVyE6UWl/s1600/Tabasc.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkg6QFuEDiSi668GG-9HrT3qbCJo92qHar4pyk37sH880bhUvRk7CDdaF44d2Qm7xFP7XL39PVLuSNtp7SwOn4NlzM2CuoCu1-zweFEj99pAgtRouWacXXSpw_YAdrQsdyBZMh3jJeTiB/s1600/TabBox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkg6QFuEDiSi668GG-9HrT3qbCJo92qHar4pyk37sH880bhUvRk7CDdaF44d2Qm7xFP7XL39PVLuSNtp7SwOn4NlzM2CuoCu1-zweFEj99pAgtRouWacXXSpw_YAdrQsdyBZMh3jJeTiB/s320/TabBox.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-45195035532597245512011-05-01T13:23:00.000+10:002011-05-01T13:23:35.360+10:00MadMen Mel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp105shUsHeA1_2uWLj9_fIS1HST4OZmGgneKYRdXijd-0WIkmcsUKeT4gHC69VbbRkruHBhfeKykjpItf4zJ2-wQCa46inTkqTf46T0ArpK-7_c-8BoM21rZlThhp3enJiNnW-WVJXZLF/s1600/madmen_standard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp105shUsHeA1_2uWLj9_fIS1HST4OZmGgneKYRdXijd-0WIkmcsUKeT4gHC69VbbRkruHBhfeKykjpItf4zJ2-wQCa46inTkqTf46T0ArpK-7_c-8BoM21rZlThhp3enJiNnW-WVJXZLF/s400/madmen_standard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I think this little avatar-maker has been around for a while, but this is the first time I've seen it! You can <a href="http://www.amctv.com/madmenyourself/">MadMenYourself</a> and choose your body, hair, face, clothes, accessories, props and settings! Tehehehe! Very fun. I have to admit that I am probably one of the few vintage-junkies who doesn't watch this show. I find it to basically be Desperate Housewives re-set in the 50's and 60's. I love the clothes, and am a bit disturbed by the sets which look like they time-travelled to my early youth in Greenwich, Connecticut. I watched about half of the first season and can't stand any of the characters. I really don't remember EVERYONE being that misogynistic in my early youth (granted that was 60's and 70's). Oh well. It's pretty with the sound off and it has created a resurgence of interest in vintage! Have fun making your own avatar! ;-) MelMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448464140714925646.post-9006870697557966192011-04-22T17:08:00.000+10:002011-04-22T17:08:08.428+10:00Garden Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvl0mfUNelcwQOjRVwsNgTP1J7Tl3sYJ5kRkl2pQe_iq3dEXmyWxSA1AzN3cPXxL4t63VfzdVcwlnUXLaopOSBesKL86Vi8IOL6w5FUXJkMny_g7pps6lFdmu-z0dLzR2RGEo-if67euD/s1600/Dragonfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvl0mfUNelcwQOjRVwsNgTP1J7Tl3sYJ5kRkl2pQe_iq3dEXmyWxSA1AzN3cPXxL4t63VfzdVcwlnUXLaopOSBesKL86Vi8IOL6w5FUXJkMny_g7pps6lFdmu-z0dLzR2RGEo-if67euD/s320/Dragonfly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A dragonfly</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlywSGHKwcmlQF0wpxAI8wEcx-6IsmMQ3P2LDrHn9-1OnwjUrlNOVnP0IjEKd6Ez2Px8Th1N60A5vT72F2QdbssVetzHLkhDe1nA48WnVwGll-eK5fEAaWXAYtal-JiCEnNQ4hHiU3FID/s1600/Lorikeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlywSGHKwcmlQF0wpxAI8wEcx-6IsmMQ3P2LDrHn9-1OnwjUrlNOVnP0IjEKd6Ez2Px8Th1N60A5vT72F2QdbssVetzHLkhDe1nA48WnVwGll-eK5fEAaWXAYtal-JiCEnNQ4hHiU3FID/s320/Lorikeet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of a pair of Rainbow Lorikeets who have been singing to me the past few weeks. I throw snails and wormy tomatoes on the carport roof for them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Yy6dzYRvsp5yon2UnRnWe6QvhTTAQE8n_e9vAsDzjyxP9p6EO-PrFDShmDYopzkWnnxUcVeuKzpF08cgWI82BRPEshWYQpf3VhgD3vGkwtGrw2cd6LFFmSQEYheY_-hZSkpSjUoPMCnx/s1600/grasshopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Yy6dzYRvsp5yon2UnRnWe6QvhTTAQE8n_e9vAsDzjyxP9p6EO-PrFDShmDYopzkWnnxUcVeuKzpF08cgWI82BRPEshWYQpf3VhgD3vGkwtGrw2cd6LFFmSQEYheY_-hZSkpSjUoPMCnx/s320/grasshopper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A grasshopper on the wheelie bin.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4Jm81T9n0VDb2shb1NNzYUl4V4ZMpRkUP7gUVO0jIemdiqxsAf3-Tttii_nZMLtuuP9PhVwwvwHDiClKTYvsmSDPVRYx6TJc4SkaPaPwpDS59YjKf9K9m8M5DjnZcQxo5_9mH8xKAdj7/s1600/GoldenOrb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4Jm81T9n0VDb2shb1NNzYUl4V4ZMpRkUP7gUVO0jIemdiqxsAf3-Tttii_nZMLtuuP9PhVwwvwHDiClKTYvsmSDPVRYx6TJc4SkaPaPwpDS59YjKf9K9m8M5DjnZcQxo5_9mH8xKAdj7/s320/GoldenOrb1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A very tidy Golden Orb-Weaving Spider. Scary but harmless and helpful! I saw it consuming a wasp in its web a few weeks ago. It is about the size of the palm of my hand.</div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11266641491276062125noreply@blogger.com0