A printed pattern this Friday- inspired by my favourite plant: ferns. I'm getting ready for my workshops this weekend and hand-printed this length of vintage cream silk to bring along to my hand-carved stamp class at HANDMADE as an example of what can be made. I'm not sure what I will do with the fabric- but I…

The kids have been showing interest in using the sewing machine lately- K is all about making clothes for her teddy (Pinky) and little gifts for her friends. A on the other hand has his eye on historical costume sewing. We haven't really gotten around to that yet. But over the weekend Keira and I…

Thank you for your comments on yesterday's post! I drew a winner and it was Christina in Australia. Let my know your address, C. ***** I thought these large brown envelopes would come in handy when I saw them at the supermarket, and since then I've started using them for wrapping gifts. It's a pretty…

I have a new little job, contributing craft ideas to this classic magazine each month. It's exciting for many reasons, most of all because I've been reading this magazine for what feels like my whole life. Mum would buy it sometimes, and it's a cafe and waiting room standard. In 2008, my work was featured…

I decided today needed cheering up so walked down to the local florist and bought a bunch of freesias for the kitchen table. The first freesias of the year. And today's pattern was inspired by their yellow cheerfulness and those baby freesia pods patiently waiting to open. I love them very much. Stash Books have…

This year's HANDMADE festival is shaping up to a be a good one. It's on Queen's Birthday weekend (June 1-2) and I'll be teaching some workshops including a new class, Best Ever Baby Pants, which is a project from my book. Just bring along some stretch fabric and your scissors, and we should be able to…

Lyndy Young of Stitchbird Fabrics, Kilbirnie, Wellington : : : : : : : : : : Welcome to part 2 of 'My Wellington' – today I'm visiting my friend Lyndy Young of Stitchbird Fabrics in Kilbirnie, Wellington- one of my all-time favourite places to find craft supplies and get inspired. Stitchbird existed exclusively online until…

I wanted to acknowledge the passing of Kathreen Ricketson and her husband last week. I was devastated to read the news stories about their tragic accident on a beach in Australia. It was only last month that we emailed about her upcoming edition of Action Pack magazine (for curious kids and their families that K…

This weeks' Friday pattern was inspired by old bedding prints. I was thinking about blankets, comforters, duvet covers and sheets. Must be the winter creeping closer and the smell of everyone's wood fires starting up on our afternoon walks home. I love old floral patterns and that faded, smoky pink and blue that you never…

Over the school holidays Keira and I got into making stationery (she's a keen letter-writer and is always on the lookout for nice paper and envelopes, stickers and labels.) We spent one rainy morning making our own and now I have a pleasing stack of small envelopes, ready for wrapping Very Small Gifts.  A few…