I took these two photos this morning and it struck me how perfectly 'April' they are. Well, April at my house, anyway.  The last hardy cosmos flowers from summer still going strong and beautiful in the courtyard. And a kitchen table with feijoas (just out of the scene: three children eating them quickly), knitting-project-in-progress and…

From that title, I don't necessarily mean that I've been working during the day and at night like a Victorian novelist, (though I do sometimes tend toward Brontë-esque drama) but rather that I've been enjoying working in monochrome of late. Or at least, a limited colour palette.  Those shadowy trees were captured on a recent trip…

Today in New Zealand we're observing Anzac Day – you can read more about it here. It's a day to remember all those who have served and died in all wars and conflicts, but was originally established to remember the ANZACs (Australian and NZ Army Corps) who fought at Gallipoli during World War 1. It's…

I don't have much to say really, these days. It feels like I'm almost always working in the office but when I get home there's usually a trusty project waiting.  My current works-in-progress include embroidery work that i'm doing for Loop, and a hand-knit cardigan (this one) from some heathery purplish-grey yarn.  Actually, I think…

Aren't bean seeds (I guess they're just beans) beautiful? Smooth and perfectly formed, each one an individual. Louana sent me these direct from her Auckland garden – they're 'king of the blues' heirloom variety, and will grow to be dark purple runner beans.  I didn't have much bean luck this year (I planted six seedlings and…

Mum gave me this book for Christmas: it's Slow Stitching: Mindful and contemplative textile art, by Claire Wellesley-Smith. I've been enjoying reading it and going back to soak up the inspiration: Claire writes about community art projects, the history of hand-stitching and mending, and gives ideas for practical projects and activities to slow down the…

I hope you're having a good weekend so far? I spent this afternoon working on some projects from the kitchen table, including this embroidery which was worked in a few different shades of grey on teal linen.  The first photo above shows the other end of said table: a new bowl (bought from here) and Nelson limes.…

The other day when I got out of bed the skyline was glowing. What a beautiful time of year this is, all crisp air and honey light. And I got around to making something with this lovely fabric from a few weeks ago – a new set of pillowcases for our bed. These have some floral…

Hello! Hope you are having a good weekend so far. We all went away for a week over the Easter break, to attend a friend's wedding and catch up with family. The second photo above shows the riot of Japanese anemones in my mum's garden. Aren't they beautiful? Slightly refined and crazy at the same…